http://activerain.com/blogs/dominickdina Everything about real estate to make it a more viable profession for agents and a more professional experience for consumers. en-us http://activerain.com/blogsview/1358144/real-estate-agents-are-really- <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Real Estate agents are really professionals,&nbsp;marketers, advisers, educators, confidants, locators, arbitrators, majordomos and sometimes soft shoulders to cry on.&nbsp; Some of these are done individually and others at the same time.&nbsp; Also known as (AKA) a jack/jill of all trades.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Real estate agents are first and foremost professionals.&nbsp; We must know what we are doing in order to do what we must for our clients.&nbsp; We need to be int he fame at all times.&nbsp; This is why the clients comes first.&nbsp; We need to be educated, informed and involved in order to do what we must for a successful transactions.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Real estate agents are marketers.&nbsp; We market properties for sale on behalf of our clients.&nbsp; This is not as easy as some would believe.&nbsp; The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) had been the primary way to market property for sale.&nbsp; Not any more!&nbsp; With the advent of the Internet, marketing has taken on a whole new look.&nbsp; Newspapers are almost passe'.&nbsp; Most do not even bother with print ads unless the owner insists.&nbsp; The reach given real estate agents to millions of potential buyers through Internet marketing makes your head spin.&nbsp; Not knowing how and doing all you can on the Internet means you are not being the best marketer possible on behalf of your client.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Real estate agents are advisors to their clients and customers.&nbsp; How many questions have we been asked in our careers?&nbsp; How many repeat questions?&nbsp; Even once in awhile we get asked a new questions!&nbsp; We cannot know all the answers.&nbsp; My military experience taught me those who&nbsp;pretend to know all the answers are folks to stay away from.&nbsp; Having a group of trusted professionals to call upon for current answers is a real estate agent's secret to success.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Real estate agents are educators.&nbsp; We must be in order to ensure our clients are informed consumers.&nbsp; We must make sure we hit upon those important areas of education, or some might say wisdom, in the buying or selling process to ensure our clients are getting the best advice on their transaction.&nbsp; How many first-time home buyers know what externalities are?&nbsp; How many know to look for indicators of neighborhood problems?&nbsp; How many know to visit a property during the day, night and on weekends to ensure they know what the neighborhood looks and feels like?&nbsp; Not to mention the issues with cosmetic issues, some structural items, etc.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Real estate agents are confidants.&nbsp; Now this is an area we must approach as professionals.&nbsp; We sometimes tend to give out too much personal information when doing a deal.&nbsp; We must keep personal, private information to ourselves concerning our clients.&nbsp; Too much information in a negotiation can hurt the seller or buyer.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Real estate agents are locators.&nbsp; Simply put, we locate homes in areas for our clients which we believe meet their wants and desires.&nbsp; Especially in the case of folks moving to a new location, we are essential in guiding them to an area best suited for their family and work location.&nbsp; Too far or too close seems to be the major issues in locating the right property.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Real estate agents are arbitrators.&nbsp; Sometimes we are the go betweens with couples.&nbsp; Other times with lenders or other agents.&nbsp; We can even be called upon to help in making decisions with the seller while representing the buyer.&nbsp; A thin line to wlak to be sure, however doable.&nbsp; We must always remember to keep our clients' best interest at heart.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Real estate agents are majordomos.&nbsp; Ok, you caught me.&nbsp; Just being a wise guy with this one.&nbsp; A majordomo is an individual who makes arrangements for or takes charge for another.&nbsp; And to be sure, this is what we do.&nbsp; How many times have you told your client "I'll take care of it" or some such phrase?&nbsp; We do this all the time, sometimes even without articulating to our clients.&nbsp; We press on for our clients and do what is necessary.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Real estate agents are soft shoulders to cry on.&nbsp; Boy howdy!&nbsp; Been there and done that!!&nbsp; Remember the times when you&nbsp;client hesitates and a property they were interested in has another offered submitted before your client made a decision?&nbsp; How many alligator tears were shed?&nbsp; How many times di you become a counselor and explain agent why time is of the essence?&nbsp; We have to be able to change our stripes to fit the clients' needs.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And finally, real estate agents need to be jacks/jills of all trades.&nbsp; This is an unwritten rule yet one if followed can produce success again and again.&nbsp; Raise you hand if you have: pulled weeds, cut grass, dusted, swept floors, rearranged furniture, packed boxes, trimmed bushes, replaced light bulbs, etc, etc.&nbsp; And this is the short list.&nbsp; I know some of you have been child and or dog sitters, mail collectors and bill payers.&nbsp; We do what needs to be done to culminate a deal.&nbsp; We are called upon to do things many believe are outside of our job descriptions.&nbsp; From my point of view, this is an error which might cost you a transaction.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; So how&nbsp;about it, my fellow real estate agents, do you have anything else to add to this list?&nbsp; If so, please do.&nbsp; Then, have all the newbies in your office read this for their own edification.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>DOMINICK A. DINA, MA, REALTOR^&reg;,e-PRO, Broker/Owner</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>Christian Realty San Antonio</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com</span></a></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">(210) 273-9082</span>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">&nbsp;"Personal, professional real estate services"</span></em></strong></p></div> Dominick Dina, MA, REALTOR®, e-PRO, Broker (Christian Realty San Antonio) Sat, 28 Nov 2009 09:39:23 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1358144/real-estate-agents-are-really- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1349992/fenestration-the-answer-to-this-week-s-question-is- <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Fenestration</strong> is, in the simplest definition of the word, the design and placement of windows in a building.&nbsp; Congratulationstio Wayne Sharpe in Florida for his correct answer.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The design and placement of windows in a building may seem to be an ordinary, common part of building an structure.&nbsp; However, when dealing with energy conservation, placement of windows is most important.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Good design leads to good function.&nbsp; We know this to be true in all things we make and use in everyday life.&nbsp; So too with a home's design.&nbsp; Today, more folks want an open design and less box or four-square type homes.&nbsp; People want to feel like they are in a grand space rather than a cave or small, cramped home with low ceilings.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; When designing a home, architects pay close attention to the orientation of the home on the property in regards to the sun.&nbsp; A home facing east, will be heated by the morning sun and in the case of Texas, grilled by the afternoon sun on the western exposure.&nbsp; This is why a north/south orientation helps reduce heat gain in a home.&nbsp; So too does the place of windows, preventing the solar energy from coming into the space (solar gain) and warming it up.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There is too much to discuss on this topic, however it you want more information see the links below.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://www.fenestration.net/" title="Functional Fenestration INC" target="_blank">Functional Fenestration INC.</a></p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="http://www.fmausaonline.org/" title="FMA" target="_blank">Fenestration Manufacturer's Association (FMA)</a></p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/en/research/buildings/fenestration/index.htm" title="Florida Solar Energy Center " target="_blank">Florida Solar Energy Center</a></p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://www.nfrc.org/label.aspx" title="National Fenestration Rating Council" target="_blank">National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC)</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>DOMINICK A. DINA, MA, REALTOR^&reg;,e-PRO, Broker/Owner</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>Christian Realty San Antonio</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com</span></a></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">(210) 273-9082</span>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">&nbsp;"Personal, professional real estate services"</span></em></strong></p></div> Dominick Dina, MA, REALTOR®, e-PRO, Broker (Christian Realty San Antonio) Sun, 22 Nov 2009 10:49:07 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1349992/fenestration-the-answer-to-this-week-s-question-is- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1339652/this-week-s-quiz-on-green-texas-real-estate <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; My hope is you are learning some things about energy efficiency through this quiz and can help your clients with understanding more about their property or potential property.&nbsp;&nbsp;We have out client's interest first in our professional life and can make a big difference as educators.&nbsp; So let's get right to it.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This week's question is:</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>&nbsp; What is fenestration?</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>DOMINICK A. DINA, MA, REALTOR^&reg;,e-PRO, Broker/Owner</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>Christian Realty San Antonio</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com</span></a></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">(210) 273-9082</span>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">&nbsp;"Personal, professional real estate services"</span></em></strong></p></div> Dominick Dina, MA, REALTOR®, e-PRO, Broker (Christian Realty San Antonio) Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:53:47 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1339652/this-week-s-quiz-on-green-texas-real-estate http://activerain.com/blogsview/1338456/infiltration-the-answer-to-this-week-s-question-is- <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Infiltration </strong>is the introduction of outside air into the interior or a building.&nbsp; Those of us who grew up in cold climates remember the cold, winter winds sneaking into our homes and making the floor cold.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The greatest infiltration of outside air had been under the frame (sole plate)&nbsp;along the slab or floor of a home.&nbsp; These gaps have been addressed and today, most builders use a caluk under the framing to seal any leaks caused when the wood becomes dry and warps.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Air infiltration for a home can account for 25-40% of energy bills per year.&nbsp; Blocking potential leaks is easier to do today then ever before.&nbsp; With the improved methods to build homes, the areas around plumbing runs and electrical wiring can be blocked with sealants, foams and tapes.&nbsp; Many builders are following the EnergyStar methods of construction to ensure a tighter home with far less air leaks than in the past.&nbsp; Some builders offer ventilation checks (blower door check)&nbsp;and certifications prior to sale.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Another benefit to having an energy efficient home, is your health.&nbsp;&nbsp;An air&nbsp;tight home keeps&nbsp;out the dust, mold, pollen and other air-borne irritants.&nbsp; Replace or clean your air conditioner/heater filter each month.&nbsp; This improves the indoor air and extends the life of the unit while keeping it's function at peak performance.&nbsp; (My experience with my wife's allergies is to replace the a/c filter every two weeks.&nbsp; What a difference it has made.)</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Another cost savings is in air conditioning cost.&nbsp; The tighter your home is, the less the hot air comes in the and cold air goes out.&nbsp; Conditioned space is expensive so why wase energy?&nbsp; Makre sure windows are caulked and doors have not loose jams.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>RECOMMENDATION:</strong>&nbsp; Always ask for Energy Star-labeled&nbsp;products to ensure maximum energy efficiency of materials used on your&nbsp;home project.</p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>DOMINICK A. DINA, MA, REALTOR^&reg;,e-PRO, Broker/Owner</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>Christian Realty San Antonio</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com</span></a></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">(210) 273-9082</span>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">&nbsp;"Personal, professional real estate services"</span></em></strong></p></div> Dominick Dina, MA, REALTOR®, e-PRO, Broker (Christian Realty San Antonio) Sun, 15 Nov 2009 10:41:15 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1338456/infiltration-the-answer-to-this-week-s-question-is- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1329793/gis-get-free-phone-calls-through-u-s-a-a- <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Insurance and financial services giant <a href="https://www.usaa.com/inet/ent_logon/Logon" title="U S A A " target="_blank">USAA</a>, headquartered in San Antonio, Texas is providing <strong>FREE</strong>&nbsp; calls from military personnel to their families this Veterans Day.&nbsp;&nbsp;Under the Veterans of Foreign War's Operating Uplink Free Call Day, it is expected 120,00 call will be made.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Internet cafes in Iraq and Afganistan, hospitals and recreation centers across the world--900 in all--&nbsp;are expected to handle one million minutes of calls.&nbsp; This is not a stand alone operation.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Donations from the VFW's ladies auxiliary, business and the public have helped to underwrite this undertaking.&nbsp; Anyone who would like to help can call (816) 968-1102 for donation information.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <img title="Veterans Day" src="http://www.sanantoniochristianrealty.com/VeteransDay.jpg" height="98" alt="Veterans Day" width="129" style="margin: 2px;" /></p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>DOMINICK A. DINA, MA, REALTOR^&reg;,e-PRO, Broker/Owner</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>Christian Realty San Antonio</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com</span></a></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">(210) 273-9082</span>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">&nbsp;"Personal, professional real estate services"</span></em></strong></p></div> Dominick Dina, MA, REALTOR®, e-PRO, Broker (Christian Realty San Antonio) Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:20:46 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1329793/gis-get-free-phone-calls-through-u-s-a-a- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1328162/attention-agents-look-in-the-mirror-for-clients <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; With the downturn in the market the past year, several actions are being taken by real estate agents.&nbsp; Many agents have left the business or while others are allowing their ethics to slip&nbsp;in order to make some transactions.&nbsp; The former is preferred and the latter is unconscionable.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; When the going gets tough, as the coach used to say, the tough get going.&nbsp; So in our depressed market, you have to be tough and get going.&nbsp; Thus, look in the mirror for clients.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Clients are not in the mirror, you think.&nbsp; True.&nbsp; However, one needs to look to ones self and your&nbsp;own initiative to find clients when the pickin's are slim.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Think out of the box!&nbsp; Do not follow the standard business model.&nbsp; Stop with the phone calls.&nbsp; good grief.&nbsp; Don't you think folks are sick of phone calls from&nbsp;all the otehr folks out there trying to get their business, what that may be?</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Try a letter writing campaign.&nbsp; Or market you areas with newsletters.&nbsp; Sell yourself.&nbsp; Host a whatever with a title company or a home inspector.&nbsp; Send out letters to absentee landlords.&nbsp; Anything but gripe and complain and pass the responsibility off to someone or something else.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In the mirror is the answer to new and even repeast clients.&nbsp; You have the knowledge, education, experience--the pwoer--to make new business opportunities.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Now, stop looking in the mirror---you are pretty/handsome alright.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Now hit it!&nbsp; Get out the box!&nbsp; Get creative!</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>DOMINICK A. DINA, MA, REALTOR^&reg;,e-PRO, Broker/Owner</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>Christian Realty San Antonio</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com</span></a></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">(210) 273-9082</span>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">&nbsp;"Personal, professional real estate services"</span></em></strong></p></div> Dominick Dina, MA, REALTOR®, e-PRO, Broker (Christian Realty San Antonio) Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:12:45 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1328162/attention-agents-look-in-the-mirror-for-clients http://activerain.com/blogsview/1326722/this-week-s-quiz-on-green-texas-real-estate <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Well, participation in last week's question was thinner than the hair on Uncle Frank's head.&nbsp; However, not one to be daunted easily, here we go for this week.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Here on <strong>GREEN TEXAS - REAL ESTATE</strong> we are talking about the greening of the real estate industry, specifically energy savings, energy reduction, cost savings and cost reductions for the consumer/client.&nbsp; To know what this all means requires a certain level of understanding.&nbsp; This usually requires some education on the topic in the first place.&nbsp; So through questions (and ansers) we all learn something about energy efficiencies relating to home building and/or remodeling.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This week's question is:</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>What is infiltration?</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>DOMINICK A. DINA, MA, REALTOR^&reg;,e-PRO, Broker/Owner</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>Christian Realty San Antonio</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com</span></a></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">(210) 273-9082</span>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">&nbsp;"Personal, professional real estate services"</span></em></strong></p></div> Dominick Dina, MA, REALTOR®, e-PRO, Broker (Christian Realty San Antonio) Sun, 08 Nov 2009 15:02:02 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1326722/this-week-s-quiz-on-green-texas-real-estate http://activerain.com/blogsview/1324905/albedo-rating-the-answer-to-this-week-s-question-is- <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>ALBEDO RATING</strong> is the measurement of the amount of light (energy) absorbed by a surface, or the albedo rating.&nbsp;Saying it another way: the&nbsp;term used as a measure of reflectivity and absorptivity is albedo. Why is this important?</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Energy, in the form of light, is heat.&nbsp; This heat is absorbed into buildings and makes them warmer.&nbsp; This adds to the amount of "load" for the air conditioning system.&nbsp; An example is an air conditioned space, say a home, in the summer.&nbsp; Anyone want to go up into the attic?&nbsp; The attic space is heated by the energy (heat) in the form of light from the sun, heating up the roof and coming into the attic.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Another way to understand this is to look at the building materials used for the roof.&nbsp; Light colored roof coatings are commonly used in climates that use cooling because dark colors absorb heat and light colors reflect heat.&nbsp; The more heat reflected away from the building, the <strong>less&nbsp;heat</strong> absorbed.&nbsp; This means the air conditioning system works less and you save energy.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Heat also accelerates the deterioration of the roofing materials.&nbsp; The more heat absorbed, the faster the roofing materials will fail.&nbsp; Roofing materials expand and contract as they heat and cool.&nbsp; This too shortens their life cycle.&nbsp; Knowing this, a homeowner can ensure their roofing contractor uses appropriate materials when either building or replacing a roof.&nbsp; Roofing materials are now "R" rated to indicate their level of insulation to heat.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There are several commerical coatings also sold to reduce heat gain, extend the life of a roof and lower energy costs.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>RECOMMENDATION:</strong>&nbsp; Always ask for Energy Star-labeled&nbsp;products to ensure maximum energy efficiency of materials used on your roof project.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; For more information review the <a href="A term" title="Washington State Factsheet" target="_blank">Washington State University factsheet</a>.</p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>DOMINICK A. DINA, MA, REALTOR^&reg;,e-PRO, Broker/Owner</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>Christian Realty San Antonio</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com</span></a></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">(210) 273-9082</span>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">&nbsp;"Personal, professional real estate services"</span></em></strong></p></div> Dominick Dina, MA, REALTOR®, e-PRO, Broker (Christian Realty San Antonio) Sat, 07 Nov 2009 07:45:54 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1324905/albedo-rating-the-answer-to-this-week-s-question-is- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1320998/insurance-giant-u-s-a-a-opens-doors-to-millions-of-veterans <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Insurance giant <a href="https://www.usaa.com/inet/ent_logon/Logon" title="USAA" target="_blank">USAA</a> has announced they are opening their doors to millions of veterans as potential customers of their insurance and financial services.&nbsp; The San Antonio-based company hopes to be the provider of choice for the millions of active duty, retired and former military personnel across the nation.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The firm, form in 1922 by 25 US Army officers in San Antonio, grouped together to take care of their own.&nbsp; Previously, military personnel were seen as too risky for traditional insurance coverage.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The changes in eligibility to join USAA opens the door for some 61 million active, retired and honorably discharged military personnel, along with their spouses, unremarried former spouses, adult children, widows and widowers.&nbsp; It even includes those students in training for officer commissions.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; USAA is hoping this change in policy will add 100,000 new accounts per year for the short term.&nbsp; Their staff of 22,000 will be able to handle the influx of new members, according to USAA president and CEO Joe Robles.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; USAA has always boasted it know first-hand the needs of the military and if ever in San Antonio, visitng their cmapus makes on feel like they are on a military installation.&nbsp; SUAA has long be touted as one of the top employers in Texas and the US.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As a disclaimer, my membership in USAA has been active since they opened the doors to senior NCOs (E-7 to E-9).&nbsp; The services provided have been exceptional.&nbsp; My son also is an employee of&nbsp;USAA and says they are a great company to work for.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Please share this news with all of your clients and customers.&nbsp; Savings will be realized by having all your insurance policies under on umbrella.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>DOMINICK A. DINA, MA, REALTOR^&reg;,e-PRO, Broker/Owner</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>Christian Realty San Antonio</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com</span></a></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">(210) 273-9082</span>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">&nbsp;"Personal, professional real estate services"</span></em></strong></p></div> Dominick Dina, MA, REALTOR®, e-PRO, Broker (Christian Realty San Antonio) Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:29:07 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1320998/insurance-giant-u-s-a-a-opens-doors-to-millions-of-veterans http://activerain.com/blogsview/1317253/final-walkthrough-a-must-for-your-client-broker-and-you- <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; With all we have to do to get a transaction to the closing table, the final walk through seems like just another step, or box to fill.&nbsp; And for what?&nbsp; The house still is there and the clients are anxious to get in there and call it home.&nbsp; Right?&nbsp;&nbsp;No, not so fast there young (or older) agent.&nbsp; The final walk through is so important you will rue the day you failed to exercise your responsibility to your client and broker.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It is sad to say there are some folks who will try and cheat others every chance they get.&nbsp; Some thinking their actions are not improper (or illegal) and have been told everyone does it.&nbsp; Just what are we referring to?</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Some owners will "trade out" appliances just before closing.&nbsp; The top-of-the-line appliances are replaced with new, moderately priced ones.&nbsp; No harm, right?&nbsp; Wrong!&nbsp; Not the appliances the buyers saw and expected to be part of the deal.&nbsp; Some will do an addendum for non-realty items and list these items to be part of the contract.&nbsp; Or the are added into the basic contract as the inclusions.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; When you are doing a contract it is important to double check what is and is not included in the deal.&nbsp; To make sure there is no misunderstanding, <strong>put it in writing</strong>.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We do not stop at appliances here.&nbsp; Some folks have been known to remove the chandeliers, ceiling fans, window treatments and anything else not permanently attached to the property.&nbsp; This is why you must do the final walk through.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As a broker, my errors and omissions insurance is expensive enough, without an agent skipping over this step and costing me a lawsuit.&nbsp; You too may feel the pain if you are not careful.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Today's lesson:</strong> a final walk though is a mandatory step, one ignored at your own peril.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>DOMINICK A. DINA, MA, REALTOR^&reg;,e-PRO, Broker/Owner</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>Christian Realty San Antonio</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com</span></a></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">(210) 273-9082</span>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">&nbsp;"Personal, professional real estate services"</span></em></strong></p></div> Dominick Dina, MA, REALTOR®, e-PRO, Broker (Christian Realty San Antonio) Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:35:33 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1317253/final-walkthrough-a-must-for-your-client-broker-and-you- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1315684/scam-alert-craigslist-com-and-potential-tenants <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Well as we already know, make something neat and folks will figure out a way to misuse it.&nbsp; Take the internet for example.&nbsp; Really a neat invention&nbsp;and most of the web sites/traffic have to do with sex.&nbsp; So too with CraigsList.com.&nbsp; Not the sex part, although that has been in the news of late.&nbsp; What this is in reference to is a real estate scam targeting folks looking for rentals.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Using CraigsList.com to advertise properties is a smart move in that it is FREE.&nbsp; Yea...gotta love free!!&nbsp; Anyway, there are some who take a real rental listing and change it, trying to swindle folks out of their money.&nbsp; Works like this.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; You post an ad for a rental.&nbsp; They (whoever they are) take it and redo it with a less than price and security deposit.&nbsp; They then post it and folks respond.&nbsp; They tell the folks they are either out of town owners or going out of town and money is not important to them.&nbsp; Just the fact someone is in "their home" and watching over it for them.&nbsp; They send the potential tenant a rental contract with instructions to return it with the security deposit.&nbsp; They will in turn send the lease agreement and the keys.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This past summer and in the past week three folks havecontacted me to question "my listing" and why it is so inexpensive.&nbsp; After a few short minutes on the phone with them, it is apparent to me this is the CraigsList scam all over again.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This is meant as a warning to all my fellow professionals to beware.&nbsp; Not sure what we can do either as individuals, MLS Boards or state/national organizations to combat this fraud.&nbsp; Possibly just talking about it and educating our public is the best we can hope for.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Please spread the word.&nbsp; I just did.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>DOMINICK A. DINA, MA, REALTOR^&reg;,e-PRO, Broker/Owner</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>Christian Realty San Antonio</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com</span></a></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">(210) 273-9082</span>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">&nbsp;"Personal, professional real estate services"</span></em></strong></p></div> Dominick Dina, MA, REALTOR®, e-PRO, Broker (Christian Realty San Antonio) Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:31:32 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1315684/scam-alert-craigslist-com-and-potential-tenants http://activerain.com/blogsview/1314270/agents-help-price-homes-out-of-the-market-or-priced-to-expire <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Well once again, my thoughts are "Good grief!&nbsp; What in the world is wrong with agents who overprice homes for sale?"&nbsp; This is an on-going issue with me, reviewing the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) or the real estate section of the newspaper.&nbsp; Don't agents pay attention to the local market?</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There is a home in my neighborhood area listed at $249,000.&nbsp; Nice home, newly remodeled, etc.&nbsp; Problem is, this is not a quarter million neighborhood.&nbsp; No one builds a McMansion in an average community, expecting to sell it for the price they were foolish enough to pay.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Being the first of the month, on the MLS there are a number of expired listings.&nbsp; Reviewing them, one stood out in a very nice neighborhood.&nbsp; Only $75,000 over the appraisal for the home.&nbsp; Well no wonder it is expired.&nbsp; In this market, even the higher end homes are not going for $75k over appraisal.&nbsp; AGain the question, what is the agent thinking?</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Now rest assured, my intentions is to make money in real estate.&nbsp; However, my goal is not to be rich, especially off just one listing.&nbsp; When we take a listing, we must already know the asking price is going to be within the Fair Market Value (FMV).&nbsp; This sliding scale usually disappoints an owner, especially one who wants to dig all the gold form their property.&nbsp; We have a responsibility to inform our clients of the FMV and the expectations of a too-high asking price.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In this market, we must pay closer attention to the FMV than ever before.&nbsp; Too many disappointed former clients boes ill for us all.&nbsp; We need to all understand and make our clients understand the current market and temper their expectations on the sale price of their property.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As always, your comments are appreciated.</p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>DOMINICK A. DINA, MA, REALTOR^&reg;,e-PRO, Broker/Owner</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>Christian Realty San Antonio</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com</span></a></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">(210) 273-9082</span>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">&nbsp;"Personal, professional real estate services"</span></em></strong></p></div> Dominick Dina, MA, REALTOR®, e-PRO, Broker (Christian Realty San Antonio) Sun, 01 Nov 2009 10:33:35 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1314270/agents-help-price-homes-out-of-the-market-or-priced-to-expire http://activerain.com/blogsview/1313183/this-week-s-quiz-on-green-texas-real-estate <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; OK, so here's the deal.&nbsp; We need to learn from one another.&nbsp; We will have a quiz about every week to learn something new.&nbsp; I get to start.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; You must give a full answer, including a definition, an example and how it is useful in real estate.&nbsp; There are a lot of "green" terms we are not all familiar with.&nbsp; This will help us all learn, understand and be able to explain to clients what importance a green technology holds for them.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; So here goes:</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>&nbsp; ALBEDO RATING</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>DOMINICK A. DINA, MA, REALTOR^&reg;,e-PRO, Broker/Owner</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>Christian Realty San Antonio</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com</span></a></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">(210) 273-9082</span>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">&nbsp;"Personal, professional real estate services"</span></em></strong></p></div> Dominick Dina, MA, REALTOR®, e-PRO, Broker (Christian Realty San Antonio) Sat, 31 Oct 2009 12:11:54 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1313183/this-week-s-quiz-on-green-texas-real-estate http://activerain.com/blogsview/1313068/welcome-to-green-texas-real-estate <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We all know of the greening of the world and out industry.&nbsp; We have ECO-Broker designations and many new classes to help us learn and understand green building.&nbsp; For most, these new products, techniques and terms are confusing and intimidating.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As mentors to one another, we can use this forum to share ideas, issues and solutions to problems we face as real estate professionals in Texas while plying our trade.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Come one--don't be shy.&nbsp; You never know what your gem of knowledge will mean to your fellow professional!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>DOMINICK A. DINA, MA, REALTOR^&reg;,e-PRO, Broker/Owner</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>Christian Realty San Antonio</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com</span></a></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">(210) 273-9082</span>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">&nbsp;"Personal, professional real estate services"</span></em></strong></p></div> Dominick Dina, MA, REALTOR®, e-PRO, Broker (Christian Realty San Antonio) Sat, 31 Oct 2009 11:10:31 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1313068/welcome-to-green-texas-real-estate http://activerain.com/blogsview/1313025/title-insurance-don-t-buy-a-home-without-it- <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There are so many ways to have problems when you buy or sell a home, it befuddles me when folks go it alone.&nbsp; However, that is another issue.&nbsp; What we are discussing here is title insurance and why it is so very important for buyers to make sure they are covered on their purchase.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Title insurance is, basically, insurance for the buyer of a home to be protected from any "blemishes" or clouds" on the title for the property.&nbsp; This blemishes, clouds or issues are many and can cause a buyer from losing not only the property, their money too.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Title insurance insures (protects) the buyer from any liens or other claims to the property not discovered when the title company did a title search prior to the sale.&nbsp; Now while it is their job to check every possible place for any claims against a piece of real estate, they are either&nbsp;missed, overlooked or not available at the time of the title search.&nbsp; How is that possible?</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Well a good example is a mechanic's lien on a home.&nbsp; The seller had some work done prior to sale and did not pay a company or individual for services rendered.&nbsp; The company or individual places a mechanic's lien on the property.&nbsp; The lien remains and is "discovered" when the title company does the title search.&nbsp; The owner then must clear the lien before the sale.&nbsp; This is a protective action many small businesses must use to collect debts from some of their customers.&nbsp; Otherwise they would go out of business.&nbsp; Home owner associations and the like also use liens to collect debts from owners who refuse to pay their assessments.&nbsp; The title is clouded or blemished and must be cleared prior to sale.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Going back to title insurance, there are several types commonly issued: residential owner's title policy, a mortgagee's title insurance policy, a leasehold title insurance policy or a certificate of sale policy.&nbsp; Each is issued for a specific purpose and for different entities involved in a sale or a particular type of sale.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The main point to remember is for a home buyer, a title insurance policy is a contract where the buyer is protected from losses arising from defects in the title.&nbsp; Here in Texas, we use a title policy that insure good and indefeasible title to a property.&nbsp; This means if there is a claim, it can be defeated.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; My hope is this example of one of the very important parts of buying a home is of value to you and again underscores the importance of using a real estate professional when buying or selling a home.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As always, call me at (210) 273-9082 with any questions, without obligation.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>DOMINICK A. DINA, MA, REALTOR^&reg;,e-PRO, Broker/Owner</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>Christian Realty San Antonio</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com</span></a></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">(210) 273-9082</span>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">&nbsp;"Personal, professional real estate services"</span></em></strong></p></div> Dominick Dina, MA, REALTOR®, e-PRO, Broker (Christian Realty San Antonio) Sat, 31 Oct 2009 10:43:38 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1313025/title-insurance-don-t-buy-a-home-without-it- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1276924/so-whose-fault-is-it-my-house-did-not-sell-hmmmm- <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; How many of us have been there and done that?!?&nbsp; No fun when a home does not sell.&nbsp; We wonder about ourselves and our techniques.&nbsp; Of late, monitoring my local MLS, it seems many of the expired listings have one thing in common.&nbsp; Overpriced for the market.&nbsp; Now whose fault is that?</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; My personal thoughts regarding the current local market in the San Antonio metro area are most homes sell at $10-15,000 above tax appraisal.&nbsp; Yes, this is a general statement and <em>some </em>are worth more, but not much.&nbsp; The ones that do not are being listed for as much as $60,000 over tax appraisal.&nbsp; Now the question remains, whose fault is it the home did not sell?</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Well, first we need to look at the listing agent.&nbsp; What did (s)he tell the client regarding the market?&nbsp; What were the externalities, if any, which may have a negative effect on the sale of the property?&nbsp; What is the location, condition and neighborhood situations?&nbsp; We all know these have a direct impact when setting a price on a home.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Yes, you are wondering about the comps.&nbsp; Me too.&nbsp; Comps are not the be all and end all of pricing a home for sale.&nbsp; Too many folks want to just use the comps because it is easier, especially when a client has grand expectations.&nbsp; Taking the path of lease resistance is not always a wise choice.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Speaking of the client, what where their expectations?&nbsp; Were they being realistic?&nbsp;&nbsp;In speaking with a new client who wants about $70,000 more than the tax appraisal, it was difficult being the bearer of bad news.&nbsp; However, we must tell the truth.&nbsp; The market is what the market is.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Going back to the original question of whose fault was it, there may be enough blame to go around.&nbsp; Deferred maintenance does catch up to owners.&nbsp; Not having the courage ot tell the truth about market conditions and pricing can hurt an agent and their professional standing in the community.&nbsp; Reality clashing with great expectations is a harsh environment, yet we must prevail to remain true to our profession.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We face tough times right now.&nbsp; We all need to stay on track with our professionalism and have faith in our knowledge and training.&nbsp; Anyone who wants to survive the current market conditions must have a strong grip on their belief in themselves and their clients' best interests.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Let's all go out there and be successful!&nbsp; <em>When the going gets tough, the tough get going!</em>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>DOMINICK A. DINA, MA, REALTOR^&reg;,e-PRO, Broker/Owner</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>Christian Realty San Antonio</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com</span></a></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">(210) 273-9082</span>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">&nbsp;"Personal, professional real estate services"</span></em></strong></p></div> Dominick Dina, MA, REALTOR®, e-PRO, Broker (Christian Realty San Antonio) Fri, 09 Oct 2009 10:26:18 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1276924/so-whose-fault-is-it-my-house-did-not-sell-hmmmm- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1263329/a-picture-is-worth-a-thousand-words <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ok, here's the deal.&nbsp; When we want to buy something, what draws our attention most when trying to decide exactly what to buy?&nbsp; The look of teh product, whatever the product is.&nbsp; So it is also true with real estate, if you want some interest in the property you are buying, better make some good pictures to show potential buyers.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I once had a broker who could not take a picture...period.&nbsp; My volunteer efforts on her behalf was appreciated because my talent set does include photography.&nbsp; As a matter of fact, for a period in my life I was a professional photographer.&nbsp; So the value of a good image is well known to me.&nbsp; As a real estate professional, it should be known to you too.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I cringe when some of the images pop up on my local MLS.&nbsp; YUCK!!&nbsp; What is teh agent thinking!!!&nbsp; Out of focus,&nbsp; Blurred.&nbsp; Too dark.&nbsp; Too light.&nbsp; And the worst are the ones taken with a cell pohone camera.&nbsp; Good grief.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A picture is relaly worth a thousand words.&nbsp; The best compliments received to date about my MLS listings are the pictures look exactly like the property.&nbsp; BINGO!&nbsp; Just what my goal was.&nbsp; It should be yours too.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; When you take a picture, it will not be perfect.&nbsp; Practice makes perfect.&nbsp; Take several images of the same shot, from different levels (i.e., standing, squat and tip-toe).&nbsp; One with and one without the flash.&nbsp; The remainder of the work is done in the office on your computer.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If you have a program such as Paint Shop Pro (PSP), it will help you "crop" the image.&nbsp; To crop an image means to take out that portion you do not want in the first place.&nbsp; Anything that distracts from the central focus of the image.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; You can make an image darker or lighter depending on how it looks to you.&nbsp; Sometimes the contrast needs to be adjusted too making the image more crisp.&nbsp; This is something you must do one your own, a learn-by-do type of technique.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; With PSP you can also "reduce" the weight of the image to meet the requirements for upload to your MLS.&nbsp; A 5meg picture is way too large.&nbsp; You make it smaller before you upload it.&nbsp; Also helps with painting the image on your web site.&nbsp; Too long to upload and folks go somewhere else.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; One particular gripe of mine is the famous exterior garage door shot.&nbsp; How many folks buy a home based upon the <em><strong>great </strong></em>photo the agent put up showing the garage door with attached drive,&nbsp; hmmmm???</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The final bit of wisdom is more is better.&nbsp; The more pictures you post the better for a prospective buyer to fall in love with your listing.&nbsp; It just kills me to see only one picture on the MLS when you can have 16.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hope this helps with all your future listings and makes <strong><em>you</em></strong> a better real estate professional.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>DOMINICK A. DINA, MA, REALTOR^&reg;,e-PRO, Broker/Owner</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>Christian Realty San Antonio</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com</span></a></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">(210) 273-9082</span>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">&nbsp;"Personal, professional real estate services"</span></em></strong></p></div> Dominick Dina, MA, REALTOR®, e-PRO, Broker (Christian Realty San Antonio) Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:26:24 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1263329/a-picture-is-worth-a-thousand-words http://activerain.com/blogsview/1261895/tact-is-the-key-to-working-with-difficult-clients <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Well if you have been in real estate any length of time, you have already had one or more clients who were hard to dela with.&nbsp; Not meaning they were not nice folks, just difficult.&nbsp; Too much in a hurry, or do not hear what you are saying or refuse to believe your professional guidance on matters.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Being in real estate means you are a service provider.&nbsp; This means you have to be on your toes as far as customer service skills are concerned.&nbsp; Sometimes, you have the urge to choke someone when they are being difficult.&nbsp; RESIST!&nbsp; This is where tact comes in.&nbsp; Discretion in dealing with customers and clients is a sometimes hard learned skill.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Now notice I used the word skill.&nbsp; Some might say being able to apply tact to a situation is more of an art.&nbsp; Whatever your personal thoughts, knowing how to use tact in any given situation will make you a better real estate professional and person to boot.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; According to the on-line <em>Merriam Webster</em> dictionary, tact is "a keen sense of what to do or say in order to maintain good relations with others or avoid offense;&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>synonyms</strong> <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tact">tact</a>, <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/address">address</a>, <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poise">poise</a>, <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/savoir+faire">savoir faire</a> mean skill and grace in dealing with others. <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tact">tact</a> implies delicate and considerate perception of what is appropriate &lt;questions showing a lack of <em>tact</em>&gt;. <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/address">address</a>stresses dexterity and grace in dealing with new and trying situations and may imply success in attaining one's ends."</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Some husbands learn tact very early in their marriage (humor).&nbsp; Some of us take a longer period of time to learn the art of tact and proper use thereof.&nbsp; Regardless, knowing how to deal with individuals in a variety of situations takes trial and error.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Once I heard the wisdom "Make sure your brain is engaged before your mouth is in gear."&nbsp; This is another way of utilizing tact in business and personal relationships.&nbsp; Being careful what and how you say things before you let anything escape your mouth.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Well, this is the first gem of wisdom for this new Group and my hopes are some will find it of use.&nbsp; Practice does make perfect and errors usually precede success.&nbsp; Do not become discouraged and keep on practicing your real estate profession.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>DOMINICK A. DINA, MA, REALTOR^&reg;,e-PRO, Broker/Owner</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>Christian Realty San Antonio</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com</span></a></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">(210) 273-9082</span>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">&nbsp;"Personal, professional real estate services"</span></em></strong></p></div> Dominick Dina, MA, REALTOR®, e-PRO, Broker (Christian Realty San Antonio) Tue, 29 Sep 2009 18:45:24 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1261895/tact-is-the-key-to-working-with-difficult-clients http://activerain.com/blogsview/1261482/announcing-a-new-group-nuts-and-bolts-of-real-estate- <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It struck me how much we mentor one another, whether we are in the same company or not.&nbsp; We share ideas and make suggestions to one another.&nbsp; So why not, here on ActiveRain where we do the same thing over the internet, share and mentor one another.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <img title="nuts and bolts" src="http://www.sanantoniochristianrealty.com/nuts-and-bolts.jpg" height="91" alt="nuts and bolts" width="125" style="margin: 2px;" /></p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Announcing the newest AR Group:&nbsp; <a href="http://activerain.com/groups/nutsandbolts" title="NUTS AND BOLTS (of Real Estate)" target="_blank">NUTS AND BOLTS (of Real Estate)</a>&nbsp; intended to share ideas, scripts, letters, forms, checklists, you name it, related to our profession.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We do this in an informal way through our blog posts and with our responses and chatter.&nbsp; So why not just do it directly?&nbsp; We can all be better for it!</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Thanks for participating and it will be great to learn form you all.</p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>DOMINICK A. DINA, MA, REALTOR^&reg;,e-PRO, Broker/Owner</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>Christian Realty San Antonio</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com</span></a></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">(210) 273-9082</span>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">&nbsp;"Personal, professional real estate services"</span></em></strong></p></div> Dominick Dina, MA, REALTOR®, e-PRO, Broker (Christian Realty San Antonio) Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:43:38 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1261482/announcing-a-new-group-nuts-and-bolts-of-real-estate- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1250958/oodle-com-is-another-platform-for-syndication- <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Many of us strive to get out listings out before the buyers so we can make our sellers happy.&nbsp; No brainer.&nbsp; To do this is sometimes the issue we stumble over.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Internet syndication is the sharing of information from one site to another.&nbsp; <strong>OODLE.COM</strong> allows this with <strong>TWITTER.COM</strong> as an example.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Another is <strong>POSTLETS.COM</strong> which allows for many other sites to carry your listings for <em>FREE</em>.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Folks talk about IDX or Internet Data Exchange as a way to have your MLS listings on other sites.&nbsp; Say NAR for example.&nbsp; IDX is rather straightforward, however you have to have permission and some technical expertise.&nbsp; Z57.com offers this service with their basic web site hosting package.&nbsp; This is also a forem of syndication, or sending your listings around the internet, making it easier for folks to find them.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; No, before you think this is all just a plug for one or more of these sites, stop.&nbsp; The purpose is to share with my fellows and make life a whole lot easier.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Hope you all find this useful ifnromation.&nbsp; Now go out there and market that real estate!!</p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>DOMINICK A. DINA, MA, REALTOR^&reg;,e-PRO, Broker/Owner</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>Christian Realty San Antonio</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com</span></a></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">(210) 273-9082</span>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">&nbsp;"Personal, professional real estate services"</span></em></strong></p></div> Dominick Dina, MA, REALTOR®, e-PRO, Broker (Christian Realty San Antonio) Tue, 22 Sep 2009 16:02:15 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1250958/oodle-com-is-another-platform-for-syndication- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1250359/get-ready-to-buy-it-is-a-process-and-requires-attention-to-detail <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Buying a home is a long, complicated process, especially for first-time home buyers.&nbsp; It is not something I would recommend you do alone.&nbsp; I remember when we bought our first home.&nbsp; OMG!!!&nbsp; It was stressful and caused me much anxiety.&nbsp;&nbsp;So if you are considering buying your first home, or any home for that matter, it is my suggestion you team up with a professional real estate agent.&nbsp;No, I am not just saying that because I am a real estate broker.&nbsp; It's really true!</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Here in Texas, we are required to stay current with the law and keep our license active through mandatory continuing education or MCE.&nbsp; If not, the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC ( <a href="http://www.trec.state.tx.us/">http://www.trec.state.tx.us/</a>&nbsp;)) pulls our ticket!&nbsp; Period.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Using an agent will save you time, energy and most of all worry or concern over the process.&nbsp; What is better than having someone <strong>who works for you </strong>at your side to answer all your questions?!?&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; An agent will help you with your credit score.&nbsp; You may think it is too low for a loan.&nbsp; However, agents know within as little as 45 days, <strong><em>you </em></strong>can change your score to a level acceptable to most financial institutions.&nbsp; Ask her or him to introduce you to their financial contact who will sit down and work with you.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; An item we discussed in&nbsp;the <em>Real Estate Law </em>class I took this week was about externalities.&nbsp; Most home buyers do not even know what that is.&nbsp; Well, to be direct, an externality is something outside of the property you are considering to buy, having a usually negative impact on the value or future value of the property.&nbsp; No, I am not trying any double talk with you.&nbsp; Most folks look at the property when searching for a home and not the neighborhood around it.&nbsp; This can be a terrible mistake.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A home along the exterior of a development with a large empty field between the homes and the nearest street usually means the vacant property is zoned for commercial uses.&nbsp; If you buy a home along this perimeter, it will be worth less than the homes on the interior of the development when it comes time to sell.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Another item first-time buyers want to pass up is a <em>home inspection</em>.&nbsp; Big mistake!!&nbsp; A home inspection will tell you whether or not there are any undiscovered latent defects with the property.&nbsp; It is even possible the owners were not aware of a problem until discovered by the inspector.&nbsp; This gives you the high ground with negotiations and/or will help you to decide to move on to another property.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We could go one, however my hope is you now know there are a lot of small items you are not aware of a professional agent will help you with.&nbsp; And remember,&nbsp;an agent works for you, has your best interests in mind and can only get paid when they are successful.</p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>DOMINICK A. DINA, MA, REALTOR^&reg;,e-PRO, Broker/Owner</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>Christian Realty San Antonio</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com</span></a></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">(210) 273-9082</span>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">&nbsp;"Personal, professional real estate services"</span></em></strong></p></div> Dominick Dina, MA, REALTOR®, e-PRO, Broker (Christian Realty San Antonio) Tue, 22 Sep 2009 10:46:51 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1250359/get-ready-to-buy-it-is-a-process-and-requires-attention-to-detail http://activerain.com/blogsview/1249187/sell-your-house-today-if-the-price-is-right- <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Yes, we are in a buyer's market here in San Antonio.&nbsp; Actually, for much of the nation.&nbsp; Does that mean you cannot sell your house as you had planned?&nbsp; In a word, no.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There are many houses here in San Antonio that have&nbsp;sold this year.&nbsp; Even in a buyer's market.&nbsp; It is not because the San Antonio real estate agents work miracles, even though sometimes it seems like it.&nbsp; It is because the right price on a house for sale means it will sell in short order.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pricing is an art in real estate.&nbsp; Listen to your agent.&nbsp; (S)He will give you the local statistics on recent sales in comparison with your home.&nbsp; A Comparative Market Analysis or CMA is your most valuable tool when setting the right price on your property.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; My daily review of the San Antonio market shows homes priced 5% to 10% above the appraisal move fairly well.&nbsp; Does this mean you will get your asking price?&nbsp; No, it does not.&nbsp; It does mean folks&nbsp;will be&nbsp;willing to negotiate with you because you have priced your house within the Fair Market Value (FMV)&nbsp;range given today's local market.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Also from my personal daily review of our local Multiple Listing Srvice (MLS) those homes listed $30-$50,000 <em><strong>above </strong></em>the FMV expire.&nbsp; That means the listing contract with the agent is over and the house did not sell.&nbsp; Well go figure!&nbsp; As stated earlier, those homes 5%-10% above the appraisal are selling.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Yes, I know some real estate agents are reading this and shaking their heads.&nbsp; Their personal experience is different than what stated here.&nbsp; And that may well be true.&nbsp; Homes in the higher price categories hold their value and do sell for more.&nbsp; The average homes listed are the majority of homes on the market and are the ones discussed here.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As an aside, it always makes me wonder what folks are talking about when they say they can't sell their home now because "they would lose money" in the deal.&nbsp; What money??</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; True, the market is soft compared to 12-18 months ago.&nbsp; True, sellers would have realized a higher price for their property 12-18 months ago.&nbsp; However, if you <em>never had</em> the money in your pocket in the first place, then you can't lose it, now can you?&nbsp; Also, selling for anything more than the purchase price means you lived in the home for free (less expenses).</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; What folks are really lamenting is their <strong>timing</strong> is off and they are not going to make as much on the sale as they <em>could have</em> if they <em>would have</em> sold it when the market was hot.&nbsp; The old "<em>coulda-woulda-shoulda</em>" syndrome.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Take care when pricing your property for sale.&nbsp; Do not conjure up a price to hang around your agent's neck and expect a miracle.&nbsp; It remains true having the highest priced home on the block is not necessarily a good position to be in.&nbsp; Harder to sell and you will have to negotiate well with potential buyers.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;You hired a professional to work for you.&nbsp; Use their advice!</p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>DOMINICK A. DINA, MA, REALTOR^&reg;,e-PRO, Broker/Owner</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>Christian Realty San Antonio</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com</span></a></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">(210) 273-9082</span>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">&nbsp;"Personal, professional real estate services"</span></em></strong></p></div> Dominick Dina, MA, REALTOR®, e-PRO, Broker (Christian Realty San Antonio) Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:23:49 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1249187/sell-your-house-today-if-the-price-is-right- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1247830/buy-then-sell-sell-then-buy-hmmmmmm <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; When you are looking to downsize&nbsp;or upsize your home, you have a decision to make.&nbsp; To buy first, then sell the existing home or, sell first then go out and buy a new home.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Clients often want their agent to tell them what to do.&nbsp; That is not what an agent is contracted for.&nbsp; We are not part of the buying or selling of a home.&nbsp;&nbsp;Agents are&nbsp;contracted to market property or to assist in locating suitable property for a client to buy.&nbsp; We educate, provide information, discuss options, build scenarios with possible outcomes and do market research.&nbsp; We do not tell clients what to do.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; When a client asks the question "What should I do?" they need to be looking in the mirror!&nbsp; And it is a serious question to be sure.&nbsp; One not to be taken lightly.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As with all major life decisions, anyone looking to replace their existing home needs to research their financial status.&nbsp; Can they afford&nbsp;it?&nbsp;&nbsp;The time line they want to use and&nbsp;the impact on their family are also most important..&nbsp; By making this move, what will happen to the children's school schedule or even the school they will be attending?&nbsp;&nbsp;Make sure this is the right time to make this major move and you understand&nbsp;the entire&nbsp;impact&nbsp;on your family.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Getting back to the main question: Buy then sell or sell then buy.&nbsp; Oh me oh my- decisions, decisions!&nbsp; The answer lies within the confines of each individual person or family considering the question.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The <em>absolute last thing</em> I would want for one of my clients would be to have two (2) homes and two (2) mortgages at the same time.&nbsp; Yes, there are some who could afford this scenario, however none have been my client.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If you can afford to buy first, move into the new home and then make ready the old one for sale, go for it.&nbsp; Another option would be to make the old property a rental and then market it to investors who like to have tenants in-place.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Selling first puts you on a time line.&nbsp; You now <em>have to move out</em> of your existing property so the new owners can take possession.&nbsp; This is a negotiable item in the purchase contract so listen to the advice of your agent.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; My neighbors sold their home before their new one was finished being built.&nbsp; Their solution was to put their home furnishings in storage and move in with family.&nbsp; Works for them.&nbsp; Not everyone is so fortunate.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; You can now see why asking your agent what to do is not the correct course of action.&nbsp; Your careful planning, research and discussion with family members will guide you to the right decision. Using the professional input from your agent should ensure you make the right family decision.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>DOMINICK A. DINA, MA, REALTOR^&reg;,e-PRO, Broker/Owner</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>Christian Realty San Antonio</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com</span></a></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">(210) 273-9082</span>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">&nbsp;"Personal, professional real estate services"</span></em></strong></p></div> Dominick Dina, MA, REALTOR®, e-PRO, Broker (Christian Realty San Antonio) Sun, 20 Sep 2009 18:41:12 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1247830/buy-then-sell-sell-then-buy-hmmmmmm http://activerain.com/blogsview/1236788/buying-a-home-the-basics-part-4- <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>You have now found the right house for your family and want to place an offer. This is where your agent will assist you in making the right offer.</p> <p>Sometimes a full-price offer is the right choice. Other instances require slightly more or less. Rely on the<br />experience of your agent to guide you.</p> <p>Once the offer is accepted and you enter the "option" period the process becomes critical. Remember the<br />saying about real estate "location, locations, location?" During the option period it is "inspection, inspection,&nbsp; inspection." Even on a brand new house, an inspection is well worth the cost. Finding a hidden problem now can save you thousands of dollars in the future, not to mention the emotional toll.</p> <p>Any problems found are then negotiated between the Buyer and Seller as to who will fix the problem and when. Again, rely on the experience of your agent to help you make a good decision. Sometimes, compensation is offered at closing which means the Seller gives the Buyer some money rather than<br />correct the problem. This may work well for the Buyer, especially if the repairs can be done as a weekend Do It Yourself project. Again, take your time and rely on your agent's experience and expertise.</p> <p>Call me at (210) 273-9082 with any questions, without obligation.</p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>DOMINICK A. DINA, MA, REALTOR^&reg;,e-PRO, Broker/Owner</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>Christian Realty San Antonio</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com</span></a></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">(210) 273-9082</span>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">&nbsp;"Personal, professional real estate services"</span></em></strong></p></div> Dominick Dina, MA, REALTOR®, e-PRO, Broker (Christian Realty San Antonio) Sun, 13 Sep 2009 12:14:22 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1236788/buying-a-home-the-basics-part-4- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1236786/buying-a-home-the-basics-part-3- <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; With the help of your real estate agent, the search for your new home begins. You already know where you want to live and the type of home. Your agent will target the location and type of home in your price range based upon your preferences. In the case of pre-owned homes, your agent will set up showing<br />appointments. Take your time!</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Emotions run high at this stage. Excitement can cost you money and regret if not controlled. Ask questions of your agent. They know the answer or will get them for you. Also, <strong>DO NOT</strong> fall in love with a property. This leads to many heart-broken buyers.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A steady hand is what an agent will give you. Stay the course and remember the importance of the decision you are about to make. Not only size and price is important. Schools, shopping, transportation, recreation and overall feel of a neighborhood must be taken into account.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Contact me at (210) 273-9082 if you have any questions, without obligation.</p><div class='agent_signature'><p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>DOMINICK A. DINA, MA, REALTOR^&reg;,e-PRO, Broker/Owner</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>Christian Realty San Antonio</strong></span></p> <p><a href="http://www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com"><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">www.SanAntonioChristianRealty.com</span></a></p> <p><span style="font-size: small; font-family: verdana,geneva;">(210) 273-9082</span>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">&nbsp;"Personal, professional real estate services"</span></em></strong></p></div> Dominick Dina, MA, REALTOR®, e-PRO, Broker (Christian Realty San Antonio) Sun, 13 Sep 2009 12:11:58 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1236786/buying-a-home-the-basics-part-3-