NAEBA Mentioned in Money Magazine - 01/22/07 05:44 PM
The National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents (NAEBA) continues to get some good ink this year.  This time, a mention in Money Magazine.  Although I disagree with some of the author's advice, specifically the "Go It Alone" technique, it cannot be disputed that the issue of so-called buyer's agents pocketing undisclosed bonuses at closing is one which has resonated with consumers.  I do feel that entering into buyer agency agreements and negotiating commission in advance is good advice for real estate consumers.  Buyers need to understand that they are in control when it comes to the issues of representation and compensation.  The more educated buyers become, the more empowered … (2 comments)

NAEBA Board 2007 Strategic Planning Session in Minneapolis - 01/09/07 01:15 AM
The Board of Directors of the National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents (NAEBA) is meeting in Minneapolis this week to develop its strategic plan for the coming year.  I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with such a wonderfully talented group of like-minded professionals.  Consumer Reports and the Wall Street Journal, among other publications, have recently touted NAEBA, and the practice of exclusive buyer agency, as a worthy option for consumers seeking agency level representation in connection with their real estate purchases.  I am proud to be able to contribute my time and talent to this worthy organization.   
From left to right: … (1 comments)

Don't Pay Off That Mortgage Too Soon - 01/05/07 07:37 AM
A recent scholarly study entitled "The Tradeoff Between Mortgage Prepayments and Tax-Deferred Retirement Savings," authored by Clemens Sialm of the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business, Gene Amromin of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and Jennifer Huang of the University of Texas at Austin, indicates that at least 38% of U.S. households that are accelerating their mortgage payments, instead of saving in tax-deferred accounts, are making the wrong choice.  The authors assert that this mistake is costing U.S. households about 1.5 billion dollars per year.  Click here to read more. … (1 comments)

Iowa Realtors Recommend Tougher Licensing Standards - 01/04/07 12:24 AM
I just received a heads up from a colleague in Iowa that a real estate education advisory committee in that state, including members of Iowa's real estate commission and other realtors, has decided that the 60 hour pre-licensing class is not enough to qualify agents to represent clients. They are apparently recommending that each licensee be required to complete an additional 36 hours before representing any consumers, with coursework to include 12 hours on listing practices, 12 hours on buying practices and 12 hours on ethics and professionalism. My colleague advises that normally these 36 hours could be completed during the first 3 year … (2 comments)

Exclusive Buyer Agency Makes Sense for Consumers - 01/02/07 09:41 AM
While the subject of real estate agency relationships is confusing and often misunderstood, even by many real estate licensees themselves, the practice of exclusive buyer agency seems to be gaining awareness in the mainstream media, with recent favorable mentions from the likes of Consumer Reports, Money Magazine and the Wall Street Journal.
One of the fundamental reasons why I decided to become an exclusive buyer agent was my belief that exclusive buyer agency just makes sense. As an attorney, the idea of being an advocate for my clients comes quite naturally.  Entering into the real estate brokerage field, it was hard for me to understand … (7 comments)

Oh the Weather Outside is Frightful . . . . - 01/01/07 10:17 PM
Well, not really.  And that is the problem.  In Northern Michigan, tourism is the driver of our economy.  We depend upon snow, and lots of it, for our local ski resorts, motels, restaurants, and shops to thrive.  Snowmobiling is also an important winter sport which brings thousands of visitors to our area.  Ice fishing, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, outdoor ice skating, you name it, all these sports are enjoyed by the numerous tourists and visitors to our winter wonderland. . . but not so far this year.
Not only did we not have a White Christmas, but no snow for New Year's as well.  … (2 comments)

 

Stefan Scholl - Northern Michigan Real Estate

Petoskey, MI

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Buyer's Broker of Northern Michigan, LLC

Address: 3280 Woods Way, Suite 4, Petoskey, MI, 49770

Office Phone: (231) 347-9600

Cell Phone: (231) 881-2550

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Northern Michigan Real Estate news, commentary and market information published by Stefan Scholl, real estate attorney, exclusive buyer agent and broker/owner of Buyer's Broker of Northern Michigan, LLC.


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