Joshua's Blog

Preapproved Vs. Prequalified

2008-08-13T19:09:06Z

Is one better than the other? Are they different from one another? The answer is Yes, and Yes.

Generally when being prequalified, a lender will estimate what a buyer qualifies for based on the information they have been told by the buyer. The problem with this is that even the most informed buyer may not know what exactly what is being reported on their credit.

With a preapproval a lender will actually pull credit, verify a buyer's income, assets, and obtain any other information the lender will need for final underwriting. In essence, the lender is preunderwriting the loan in order to determine what the buyer actually qualifies for. This method if far more accurate than a simple estimate based on unverified information. As a result, a buyer who presents an offer with a preapproval letter will generally have more sway over a transaction than one who only has a prequalification letter. Furthermore, being preapproved will lessen the chance of thing going bad at the last moment.

Should you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to contact me, (775) 220-1630

Or visit my blog at www.SellingNorthernNV.com

Joshua Talayka
Chase International
Office: 775 850 5900
Toll Free: 877 922 5900
Cell: 775 220 1630
Fax: 775 850 5901
985 Damonte Ranch Pkwy, Ste. 110
Reno, Nevada (NV) 89521

Understanding your credit score

2008-08-13T18:51:23Z

Your credit score will directly affect how much and at what rate you will be able to borrow from a lender. Whether you're looking to purchase a home or simply finance a car, you should always have an idea of what your score is and what factors may affect it.

A great way to start understanding your credit is to obtain an actual copy of your credit report. According to the "Fair and Accurate Transactions Act" (FACT ACT), you are entitled to receive a free copy of your report from all three major credit companies. www.annualcreditreport.com to order your free report. Your actual scores will be missing from the report as you are only entitled to receive the report itself for free. If you are interested in seeing your scores, you will have to pay. Each company uses a slightly different format, but once you start to go through them you will get an idea of how things are being reported.

Some factors that will bring down your scores are as follows:

•1. Maxing out your available credit.
•2. Having few lines of credit with low use.
•3. Applying for credit at many places within a short period of time.
•4. Errors and multiple entries on your report.
•5. Allowing unpaid bills to go into collection agencies.

Factors that will improve your scores:

•1. Constantly using your credit.
•2. Paying your credit/bills back on time.
•3. Multiple lines of credit in good standards.

A great way to enhance your credit is to obtain around 4 different lines of credit. Use them to buy your big ticket items, and try to pay them down as fast as you can. But be careful not to pay them down to zero. Most lenders and other creditors want to see that you are using your credit often, but not over exhausting your limit. If they don't see enough activity, they don't have much information to judge your amount of credit responsibility on.

When you review your credit report, be on the lookout for items that shouldn't be there. Most items are suppose to drop off after seven years (there are some exceptions), however sometimes you will see things that are still being reported that shouldn't be. Any accounts that you closed should state "closed by consumer." Many times you will find that these accounts are being reported as "closed by creditor." This type of reporting has a negative impact on your credit. Sometimes you will also find the same account being reported multiple times. If it's an account in good standing, this isn't really a problem. However if a negative account is being reported twice, it may be impacting your credit more than it should. In these cases, you would want to dispute these reports (Contact me for further information on disputing your credit reports).

Should you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to contact me, (775) 220-1630
Or visit my blog at www.SellingNorthernNV.com

Joshua Talayka
Chase International
Office: 775 850 5900
Toll Free: 877 922 5900
Cell: 775 220 1630
Fax: 775 850 5901
985 Damonte Ranch Pkwy, Ste. 110
Reno, Nevada (NV) 89521

What is Fractional Ownership?

2008-08-13T18:46:59Z

Fractional Ownership is a concept we're seeing more of. Although not necessarily a new concept, more and more people are looking to the advantages and minimal risk of having fractional ownership in a property. The idea is a great way to invest in a second family home you will only plan on using certain times of the year. Rather than spending $1 million, a buyer may only need to invest $250,000 and have the right to use the property ¼ of the year. This way, buyers are not fully exposed to the risk as if they had purchase the property outright for the full amount.

You may think of it similar to a timeshare, however with this type of transaction each individual buyer owns an actual share of the property and receives a deed for their share. Also, fractional ownership has a larger backing of lenders and real estate professionals since it is still viewed as an actual real estate purchase.

Should you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to contact me,(775) 220-1630
Or visit my blog at www.SellingNorthernNV.com

Joshua Talayka
Chase International
Office: 775 850 5900
Toll Free: 877 922 5900
Cell: 775 220 1630
Fax: 775 850 5901
985 Damonte Ranch Pkwy, Ste. 110
Reno, Nevada (NV) 89521

What's great about Real Estate in 2008?

2008-08-05T19:00:58Z

-The days of loose lending are over. The same ARMs that had a part in creating our recent housing slump have now become extinct.

-Inexperienced and shady agents are gone. The only agents able to survive in today's market are those who are able to develop trust with their clients based knowledge and experience. Buyers and sellers are able to pick the cream of the crop in today's market.

-Today's increasing inventory means buyers have the opportunity to purchase exactly what they are looking for.

-Short sale and REO listings are becoming are large percentage of our current market. This is enabling buyers to purchase homes below market value with built in equity. It is also creating a need for agents who have experience and knowledge in handling these difficult transactions.

Should you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to contact me,(775) 220-1630

Or visit my blog at www.SellingNorthernNV.com

Joshua Talayka
Chase International
Office: 775 850 5900
Toll Free: 877 922 5900
Cell: 775 220 1630
Fax: 775 850 5901
985 Damonte Ranch Pkwy, Ste. 110
Reno, Nevada (NV) 89521

Full Service Real Estate

2008-08-05T18:58:20Z

You always hear companies and agents say they are "Full Service" Realtors. Unfortunately, there are too many agencies calling themselves "Full Service" and not living up to their clients' expectations. So, what should you expect from your "Full Service" agent? In addition to your personal expectations, here are some aspects you should require before choosing who you do business with:

Education-
Before entrusting someone to fulfill your real estate needs, you want to ensure you are selecting an agent who is dedicated to continually educating themselves about their industry and the current market. Unfortunately, obtaining a real estate license isn't the most difficult of things to do. There are too many agents in this industry who skate by with the minimal continuing education courses required to keep their license. A "Full Service" agent should continuously be educating themselves and staying on top of current market trends. Ask your agent how often they update themselves on new market data. If their answer is anything other than daily (or at least weekly), move onto another agent.

Communication-
One of the biggest complaints from both buyers and sellers is the lack of communication from their agents on even a basic level. You should be receiving some form of contact from your agent every week. Even if it's a simple email to tell you that there hasn't been any new activity on your property. What's worse is when agents fail to return clients phone calls and emails in a timely fashion. If your "Full Service" agent doesn't determine your preferred method of contact and doesn't have a steady system for keeping in contact with you, you should question if they are providing you with "Full Service."

Company Image-
There are several fly by night companies out there that try and pass as "Full Service" agencies. The company you choose should have guidelines in place that require a level of professionalism and dedication from all their agents. There are many companies (including well known chains) that will take on any agent who comes through the door. Find out how extensive of an interview process the companies you're deciding on have, and do they retain the cream of the crop in your market.

Long term-
Study shows that 50% of all licensees are gone within a year, and that 80% leave the industry by their second year. Of the 20% who remain, many still lack the work ethic and devotion it takes to survive in a down market. As a result, many agents will put their license on ice until the market rebounds. Within the last two month we've seen a large increase of agents coming back into the market that originally changed their license to inactive over the last couple of years. So even if the agent you're speaking with has several year of experience, find out what amount of it was spent with an inactive license. You'll find only a handful of agents have what it takes to be to deliver results to their clients no matter what the market conditions are.

Systematic-
Every agent you speak to will tell you they can do the job you're looking for. But do they have a system in place to actually deliver? You want to make sure your agent has a system in place to ensure that your needs will, (not might) be met. Studies show that less than 20% of agents have even developed a process for their original interview, let alone for an entire transaction. During your initial interview process, a "Full Service" agent should be able to provide a step by step agenda which will prove to you without a doubt that they are able to fulfill your needs.

Should you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to contact me (775) 220-1630
Or visit my blog at www.SellingNorthernNV.com

Joshua Talayka
Chase International
Office: 775 850 5900
Toll Free: 877 922 5900
Cell: 775 220 1630
Fax: 775 850 5901
985 Damonte Ranch Pkwy, Ste. 110
Reno, Nevada (NV) 89521

General Rules for FHA Financing

2008-08-05T18:53:30Z

Here are a few rules when considering an FHA loan.
- You will need some credit. However, you can use credit reference letters from utilities companies if you have no credit history.
-If you have minor collections, it is possible to still get approved if you have other strong accounts on your credit report.
-Verified income. FHA will require proof of income. It can be very difficult to obtain FHA approval if you're self-employed.
-Although FHA property guidelines have eased up a little, major systems will need to be working at time of inspection.
-FHA requires a down payment. However this down payment can be obtained from several sources (borrowers' savings, family gift, grant/loan from First Time Homebuyer Assistance programs, Gift from Non-Profit Organization).
-FHA doesn't require any minimum credit score, but most lenders will require a minimum score of 500 - 580.
-FHA allows for manual underwriting if the FHA automated approval system doesn't approve the loan.

Should you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to contact me (775) 220-1630
Or visit my blog at www.SellingNorthernNV.com

Joshua Talayka
Chase International
Office: 775 850 5900
Toll Free: 877 922 5900
Cell: 775 220 1630
Fax: 775 850 5901
985 Damonte Ranch Pkwy, Ste. 110
Reno, Nevada (NV) 89521

Make your home scream, "Own Me."

2008-05-12T18:59:39Z

Although proper interior design is important when selling your home, with the amount of inventory available today it is almost imperative. Using modern design ideas will allow buyers to visualize their new life in your home. Staying on top of what today's buyers are looking for in their next home will increase your odds of selling your home for top dollar. Here are just a few things to consider when deciding on interior decor:
Buyers are no longer looking for elaborate designs. Today's buyer wants to live in home with leek leather furniture with simple shapes. People today want to have room to breath. This means fewer accessories and more open furniture. Rooms should be well designed but useful. The bulk of the buyers in the market today are the Baby Boomers. They are looking for homes that reflect what they grew up with. Think of fifties styles with a more modern look.
Built-in window seats with storage and utilizing beds with drawers underneath will free up a lot of space in your home. People are also wanting their homes to be more inviting to guests. Furniture that is comfortable but also puts them in a position to easily converse with others is a must. Screens and movable walls allow for a more versitile home. Today more than ever we see the kitchen being the main focal point of the home. For this reason we are seeing a new level of decorations being used in the kitchen.
Colors also play a major role in appealing to other peoples taste. Although color is always going to be a persons personal preference, we are seeing more and more people who dare to use rich and bold colors - purples, yellow, reds and blacks are growing in popularity. We are also seeing a desire for metallic accents as well. Brushed nickel door knobs and hinges gives a home more personality.
Experimenting with new textures can be very attractive for buyers. We're seeing more wood and tile flooring replacing carpeting. Not to say carpet is being eliminated from homes, just toned back a bit.
When designing a new look for your home, above all trust your own taste and don't go over board. Having an exotic look to your home will appeal to buyers, but only if it's done in a tasteful manor. You can get some ideas for what is "in" by paying attention to the following: Desirable hotels generally are on top of what the consumer want to make them feel comfortable, pay attention to the new fashions and mimic them in your home, some of the popular TV shows have an influence on how people want to live as well.

Should you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to contact me,

Joshua Talayka
Chase International
Office: 775 850 5900
Toll Free: 877 922 5900
Cell: 775 220 1630
Fax: 775 850 5901
www.SellingNorthernNV.com
985 Damonte Ranch Pkwy, Ste. 110
Reno, Nevada (NV) 89521

Home maintenance check list

2008-05-12T18:58:04Z

Whether you're a first time home owner or a seasoned vet, here is a short check list of things you should be doing that'll prevent large problems down the road:
Furnace Filters: You should be changing your filters monthly during the winter season. By doing so, you eliminate the risk of having a clogged filter that will not only decrease your furnace's efficiency, but also any excess strain on the blower unit.
Water heater: One more chore to put on your spring cleaning list should be to drain your water heater every year. Sediment has a tendency to build up over the year inside your water heater. By draining your water heater, you remove the majority of this sediment which can prolong the lifespan of your water heater.
Checking for leaks: From time to time, you should make a habit of poking your head underneath your sinks to check for leaks or water stains. If you catch these leaks early, you can avoid having to deal with extensive water damage down the road.
Know their lifespan: You should know the average lifespan on everything from your appliances to your roof and replace them as they near the end of it.
Exterior Leaks: you should be checking around your home for any potential breach in exterior of your home with every changing season. Check for loose siding, missing shingles, and gaps around your home's flashings. Problems with any of these can allow for water to get in and puddle between these items and your home which can lead to water damage or even mold.
Protect your foundation: Walk the perimeter of your home and even get underneath it if you have a crawl space. Check for any signs of cracking or deterioration. Also when checking the perimeter, make sure the ground's pitch is going away from your home. Over time a home will settle, and may change the surrounding pitch of the ground with it. You always want water to drain away from your home.
Should you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to contact me,(775) 220-1630
Or visit my website at www.SellingNorthernNV.com

Joshua Talayka
Chase International
Office: 775 850 5900
Toll Free: 877 922 5900
Cell: 775 220 1630
Fax: 775 850 5901
985 Damonte Ranch Pkwy, Ste. 110
Reno, Nevada (NV) 89521

Hope Now National Hotline

2008-05-12T18:56:13Z

Hope Now is a an initiative intended to help borrowers who may be facing default when their mortgage rate resets. By taking advantage the this initiative, borrowers who otherwise become default on their mortgage can avoid the possibility of facing foreclosure. The most desirable part of the initiative is an interest rate freeze. The following are the steps you will need to take if you would like to take advantage of the Hope Now initiative:
1. Call 1-888-995-HOPE, the hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You will be put in contact with a counselor approved by HUD.
2. After obtaining some financial information, the counselor will determine if you are eligible to participate in the initiative. The initiative applies to borrowers who secured their loan between Jan. 1, 2005 to July 31, 2007 and who's rate resets between Jan. 1, 2008, to July 31, 2010. The initiative does not apply to home equity loans. You should be prepared to spend around 45 minutes on the phone.
3. Once the counselor determines if you are eligible to participate in the initiative, he/she will recommend a course of action. It can take several calls to get to this point of the process.
4. Once the counselor and you have determined the best course of action, you will need to contact the mortgage servicer to initiate this a workout plan. Due to the overwhelming amount of REOs banks are having to deal with, they are becoming very flexible in an effort to minimize anymore foreclosures.
5. If you are current on your mortgage, servicers will have more flexibility in working with you. More often then not, refinancing will be the typical solution but not the only one. If refinancing is an option for you, they servicer is suppose to help you avoid any prepayment penalties.
6. Although the interest rate freeze is what attracts the majority of people to the hotline, it only applies to borrowers who meet specific guidelines: borrowers who are current on their mortgage but wont be able to afford their payments after the rate increase and can't qualify for refinancing.
7. If you are already unable to make your payments before your rate resets, there are few options available to you. In this situation, the course of action may be to negotiate a deed in lieu of foreclosure or a short sale.
Related posts:
Avoiding Forclosure
Increasing Forclosures
Repairing Your Credit

Should you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to contact me,

Joshua Talayka
Chase International
Office: 775 850 5900
Toll Free: 877 922 5900
Cell: 775 220 1630
Fax: 775 850 5901
www.SellingNorthernNV.com
985 Damonte Ranch Pkwy, Ste. 110
Reno, Nevada (NV) 89521

Source:
Realtor Magazine Feb. 2008

Go Green and Save Some Dough

2008-05-12T18:54:34Z

Although you may not think it, but 21% of the green house gas emissions produced in the united states come from everyday household energy usage. By implementing cost efficient energy saving techniques, you can help reduce these emissions while saving money at the same time.

Improving your homes efficiency
Compact fluorescent light bulbs last up to 10 times longer, produce 75 percent less heat, and still produce the same amount of light as an incandescent bulb with only 25 percent as much energy usage. By simply swapping your old lights out for these new ones, you can see a drastic reduction on your monthly energy bills. If you want to take it to the extreme, you can easily make the switch to solar power. Solar panels are getting cheaper to purchase, easier to install, and will last for around 20 years. In addition to cutting your energy bills, the federal government also offers a tax credit of up to 30 percent of your installation cost.
Reducing Heat Loss
By making your home almost air tight, you can improve your homes energy efficiency by 20%. Add/replace old weather-stripping to your windows and doors as well as plugging any other leaks in your home can stop/reduce heating and air conditioning losses. You may also want to consider adding insulation where it's missing or has a minimal amount. this will reduce heating/cooling expenses as well as reduce moisture buildup in your ceilings and walls.
Electronics and Appliances
75% of a homes electricity is consumed by electronics and appliances while they are turned off according to the U.S. department of Energy. This can be reduced by unplugging devices when their are not in use. You can also reduce this amount by swapping out your old appliances with new energy-saving models.
Hot Water
For every 10 degrees in temperature you increase your water heater, you use an additional 5 percent of energy. By reducing the temperature you can be saving yourself unnecessary expenses as well as lengthening the lifespan of your water heater. If you wanted to eliminate this problem all together, Tankless water heaters only warm your water when you need it. Instead of constantly heating your water to maintain a set temperature, these devices use up to 60% less energy than your traditional water heater.
Should you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to contact me,(775) 220-1630
Or visit my blog at www.SellingNorthernNV.com

Joshua Talayka
Chase International
Office: 775 850 5900
Toll Free: 877 922 5900
Cell: 775 220 1630
Fax: 775 850 5901
985 Damonte Ranch Pkwy, Ste. 110
Reno, Nevada (NV) 89521

Four key points to good home design

2008-05-12T18:52:36Z

Proper Balance - When aranging a room, ensure that there one area will equal and complement the other(s) In visual weight. This can be done through symmetry or asymmetry. In otherwords, you can have one side of a room exactly match the other, or offset a large piece of furniture on one side with a number of smaller funiture on the other.

Creating a symphony - Ensure that all parts of your arrangement complement and work with each other to create a harmonius arrangement. You can do this by using furniture/accesories that share the same shades of color (or colors that contrast each other), shape or texture. Example: If you are planning to use leather furniture, don't put an old wood rocking chair in the corner of the room.

Focal points - People need a center piece to focuss on. Without some sort of focal point (fireplace, painting, etc), the room will seem to caotic in peoples mind. Ensure that your arrangment of funiture/accesories are in tune with these focal points since this is where people will tend to congregate.

Function - Above all make sure that however you decide to design your home/room, that it is functional. If you plan on adding a library/study, aside from books you would want to make sure the funiture is comfortable and lighting bright enough to read.

Should you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to contact me,

Joshua Talayka
Chase International
Office: 775 850 5900
Toll Free: 877 922 5900
Cell: 775 220 1630
Fax: 775 850 5901
www.SellingNorthernNV.com
985 Damonte Ranch Pkwy, Ste. 110
Reno, Nevada (NV) 89521

Getting started with Blogging

2008-03-06T00:29:36Z

Blogging is a great way to share information with clients, potential customers, and ever colleges. In today's tech savvy world, people expect us to have the ability to adapt to the changing technologies. By having an up to date Blog, you present yourself as having this ability to adapt. However, if you're just getting started, you may not know where to begin. Here are a few tips for the beginning blogger.

Before you even start to write, i would suggest you peruse other Real Estate Blogs to get an idea of what the industry is blogging about. By doing so, you will also come across topics that you would like to expand on. However, like all articles, if you get your source information form someone else's publication, you should always site your source. If you got the information from another blog, feel free to include a link to it. To view my complete blog Go Here

If you are creating your blogs with your own software and not online, make sure the software you choose creates a separate page for every post you make. Due to the way most search engines crawl web sites, you will have a better chance of getting to the top of the list if you have a separate page for each post. Also be sure your posts are encoded with an RSS feed so your subscribers are kept up to date on all your new posts.

Related Posts
Nich Internet Marketing

Should you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to contact me,(775) 220-1630
Or visit my website at www.SellingNorthernNV.com

Joshua Talayka
Chase International
Office: 775 850 5900
Toll Free: 877 922 5900
Cell: 775 220 1630
Fax: 775 850 5901
985 Damonte Ranch Pkwy, Ste. 110
Reno, Nevada (NV) 89521

Please rate this post
BlogCatalog

Pricing your home right

2008-01-07T00:29:13Z

Although many sellers will disagree, the only factor that determines your home's selling value if what a qualified buyer is willing to pay for it. Regardless of Appraisal value, assessed value, etc., if there isn't a buyer willing to pay that amount, your home simply won't sell. If you are looking to sell your home, you need to change your way of thinking. It's not what you think the home is worth that matters, it's what a reasonable buyer will think your home is worth that does.

Even though every buyer is looking to buy a home for a little as possible, they also understand that you as the seller have no obligation to sell your home at just any price. They will have to make you an offer that you are willing to accept. On the other side of the coin however, buyer's are under no obligation to buy any particular home for any price. Regardless of the amount of marketing your agent does or improvements to the home you make, if your home isn't priced reasonably in the buyer's eyes, your home simply will not be desirable enough for them to view.

To ensure your home is priced accordingly, you need to start looking at things from the buyers point of view. Ask yourself, "If I were looking to buy a home, how would i go about it?" Chances are, your first step would be to hop online and get an idea of what homes where selling for in the area you're interested in. Once you determined a reasonable price range, then you would begin to narrow down your search parameters based on what features are important to you. At this point, the number of potential homes would still be overwhelming. Homes that are well advertised would probably stick out over the others, and are likely to be the ones you choose to view. However, any home outside of the original price range wouldn't be included no matter how well it was marketed.

Related Posts
Understanding Local Markets

Should you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to contact me,(775) 220-1630
Or visit my website at www.SellingNorthernNV.com

Joshua Talayka
Chase International
Office: 775 850 5900
Toll Free: 877 922 5900
Cell: 775 220 1630
Fax: 775 850 5901
985 Damonte Ranch Pkwy, Ste. 110
Reno, Nevada (NV) 89521

Please rate this post

Risks of Dual Agency

2007-12-26T12:07:18Z

Anyone who’s been in this industry will tell you there’s nothing better then closing a double ender, or representing both sides to a transaction and getting the full commission. However, what they won’t always tell you is how risky and stressful they can be since a dual agency creates a relationship that isn’t very clear-cut.

To avoid any potential problems down the road, be sure to disclose the limitations put on you when you create a duel agency relationship. Some states have legal forms that need to be signed by all parties involved. But, I suggest taking it a step forward and make sure they understand the situation completely, and how it does create a conflict of interest for you. In a duel agency, your fiduciary duties to either client are much more limited because you can no longer advocate for either party, since each client has opposite goals.

Before deciding to start a dual agency relationship you should consider the following:

Review your state’s laws and determine if dual agency is legal. In many states it is prohibited to ensure the agent isn’t put in a position of trying to satisfy both parties when each has different goals. Also, find out what disclosures and procedures you must follow by law. Consult with an attorney if necessary.

Review your company’s policy to see if dual agency is permitted, and what actions you may or may not perform.

Disclose to all parties that you are working as a dual agent and what it means in writing. Be sure to obtain their written permission in a timely manor.

Always recommend in writing that both parties retain an attorney to advise them regarding all documents and other negotiated issues. Whether they do so or not is up to them, but it’s always better to have a way to push liabilities off your shoulders.

Should you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to contact me,(775) 220-1630
Or visit my website at www.SellingNorthernNV.com

Joshua Talayka
Chase International
Office: 775 850 5900
Toll Free: 877 922 5900
Cell: 775 220 1630
Fax: 775 850 5901
985 Damonte Ranch Pkwy, Ste. 110
Reno, Nevada (NV) 89521

Understanding Local Real Estate Markets

2007-12-26T12:01:25Z

Every couple of decades, the country experiences an explosion in real estate sale. The economy is on the rise, interest rates are low, and employment is up. These among other factors are the reason why we experienced our latest boom. However, when real estate is going up throughout the country, it’s very easy to get caught up in the idea that we’re looking at an entire real estate market. This idea has been further fueled by the media. The fact of the mater is that there is not one single real estate market, but that there are instead small individual markets at a local level. Although there are some national and even global events that can affect each and every market, they are not the only contributors to market changes. The factors that have the largest effect on individual markets are almost always going to occur at a local level

Every market is unique, and it’s this uniqueness that is going to cause people to either buy in a particular area or not. No matter where you are, chances are sales are going up in some of your nearby neighborhoods, but not in others. You yourself may be getting frustrated because you’re house just won’t sell, when homes just a few miles down the road are getting sold at an unbelievable rate and you can’t figure out why. Ask yourself this, what does that neighborhood have, that yours doesn’t? Maybe it’s closer to more schools and parks than yours, making it ideal for the younger families. Or it could be just the opposite and be more ideal for the retiring baby boomers. Is there a different average price range that might be drawing the first time buyers? There are many factors that can occur on a local level. For example, here in the Reno area, most homes priced below $300,000 are being sold left and right, mainly to the remaining first time buyers in the area.

To completely understand and keep tract of how the markets are moving, and where are the good areas to buy and sell takes a lot time and research. Aside from Real Estate Agents like Josh Talayka, whose main job is doing this research, most people don’t have the time to properly follow current market conditions, and therefore believe it when someone says real estate is doing horrible all over. In fact, more than anything else, today’s slower conditions stem from a loss of confidence, rather then bad economic factors. Mortgage rates are still low, the economy is growing on a national level, and jobs and incomes are gaining.

If you are thinking about making a move in real estate, you should always contact a local Realtor who’s knowledgeable in your cities niche markets. Even if you do have the time to do the research, unless you’re out there every day talking to people and being involved in daily transactions, it’s almost impossible to get a feel for the market, and have all the data needed to make the proper decision.

Related Posts
Housing Market to Rebound in 2008
Quick Statistics for Reno and Surrounding Area
Why Companies Relocate to Nevada

Should you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to contact me,(775) 220-1630
Or visit my website at www.SellingNorthernNV.com

Joshua Talayka
Chase International
Office: 775 850 5900
Toll Free: 877 922 5900
Cell: 775 220 1630
Fax: 775 850 5901
985 Damonte Ranch Pkwy, Ste. 110
Reno, Nevada (NV) 89521

Time for a change

2007-12-26T11:58:41Z

Our recent decline in the housing market isn’t anything new. Twenty years ago, the housing market tanked across the U.S. after a steady increase. What we are experiencing is just an example of how history repeats itself. The market began to really move around 2000, and got really out of hand by the start of 2005.

This increase in activity drove millions of people into getting their real estate license. Between 1996 and 2001, the number of real estate professionals rose from 408,000 to over 2.3 million. For the most part, the market was experiencing so much activity that almost everyone has a piece of the pie. Now that the pie has all but disappeared completely, we all are trying to survive in a market that can’t sustain us all. Some of us will have to go. To make sure you’re not one the agents who gets pushed out, you’re going to have to change your strategy.

For starters, listing are always the way to go. The more listings you have, the better off you will be. However, you need to be pickier about the homes you list. Only list home you feel have a good chance of selling, and at a reasonable price. A few years ago most agents would list a home for any amount, just to get the listing and worry about getting it reduced later. You no longer have time for that. You’re lucky right now if you sell a home in 3 months after being listed. If you don’t price it right in the beginning, by the time you get the price down to where it should be, your contract will be close to expiring.

You also need to change how you deal with buyers. Like most agents, there’s a good chance you jump as soon as a buyer comes calling. You probably will even drive them around looking at house after house, without a signed contract, and without any sort of pre-approval. You may say, “This shows the buyer you are a professional and ready to work for them.” In reality you’re just showing them you are a lap dog, willing to do anything they want you to. Plus, how many times have you catered to buyers, only to find out they bought through another agent?

For starters, the majority of buyers end up buying homes they found themselves, regardless of how many you actually showed them. So next time a buyer calls you, here’s what you do. First, you need to get a face-to-face meeting established. Tell them this is so you can provide them with daily updates of homes that match their criteria. If they resist, inform them that unless you can meet face to face and get an idea and feel for what they are looking for, that there’s just no way you’ll be able to narrow down the search. If after trying, they are still unwilling to meet, chances are you don’t want to work with them anyways. They’ll be more trouble than they are worth. Once you’ve had a chance to see them face-to-face, sell yourself, and get them to sign a contract then you can start searching for property. You'll find that many buyers don't have a problem signing a contract with someone they know is going to take care of them in a caring and professional manor. Also, rather than driving them around, email the listings to them so that they can discard the homes they know they wouldn’t be interested in. Tell them to drive by the ones they like when they have time, and if they are still interested, you can arrange to show them inside. Showing buyers homes they are not going to be interested in is a waste of your time and theirs.

Whether you do things exactly like this doesn’t matter. The point I’m trying to make, is that you should be spending more time taking listings, and pursuing leads rather than driving buyers around looking at homes they’re not going to be interested in. Get them involved, after all most people prefer this anyways. Nobody knows what they are looking for more than them. When working with buyers, your job really doesn't start until after you're buyers have found a home. They main reason why they are enlisting your services is for your experience at negotiating a good sales price for them, and your knowledge of the entire process involved when buying a home.

Related Posts
Creating an Effective Message
How to Generate Leads
Real Estate Farming
Risks of Duel Agency

Should you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to contact me,(775) 220-1630
Or visit my website at www.SellingNorthernNV.com

Joshua Talayka
Chase International
Office: 775 850 5900
Toll Free: 877 922 5900
Cell: 775 220 1630
Fax: 775 850 5901
985 Damonte Ranch Pkwy, Ste. 110
Reno, Nevada (NV) 89521

Spanish Springs vs. Sparks

2007-12-26T11:50:45Z

Where exactly does Sparks end and Spanish Springs begin? Most people have their own opinion as to where the border between the two actually is. Many people who believe that they live in Spanish Springs, may in fact be within the Sparks City limits, and vise versa.

Although it may not be seem like much of a concern, to many it is. “People define themselves by where they live, by the schools they attend, the churches they got to and the lifestyle by which they’ve become accustomed,” Says Eric Young, a land-use planner with the Community Development Department of Washoe County.

Then there are those who really couldn’t care less about where they technically live

“We’re transplants to this area,” Says Kathy Haskel who lives in Cimarron near the Wingfield Springs Development. “Some natives have different perspectives about where the boundaries are. It doesn’t matter if we’ll eventually be annexed into the city.”

But the fact is that a region is defined by jurisdictional and community boundaries, according to Eric Young. “Land uses are different between city and county, Urban development must happen within an incorporated area of the county.”

So whether you live within the City of Sparks, or within the county jurisdiction can effect your property and the surrounding area. At the moment, the official boundary is this; anything east of Pyramid Way and south of La Posada Drive is within the Sparks city limits, and anything west of Pyramid Way and North of La Posada is Spanish Springs which is an unincorporated area of Washoe County.

Related Posts
High Rise Condominium Projects on Hold in Reno
Washoe County Transfer Tax Increase
Quick Statistics for Reno and Surrounding Area
Why Companies Relocate to Nevada

Should you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to contact me,(775) 220-1630
Or visit my website at www.SellingNorthernNV.com

Joshua Talayka
Chase International
Office: 775 850 5900
Toll Free: 877 922 5900
Cell: 775 220 1630
Fax: 775 850 5901
985 Damonte Ranch Pkwy, Ste. 110
Reno, Nevada (NV) 89521

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Source of Information
Publication: Valley View, a RGJ publication
Title: Border Wars
Author: Anne-Marie Hoppe

Repairing Your Credit and Identifying Credit Scams

2007-12-19T02:58:21Z

Many people every year get taken advantage of by thousands of scam artists that prey on distressed consumers in need of credit repair. They advertise that for a fee, they can wipe your slate clean. In 1997, the Credit Repair Organizations (CRO) Act was passed to put guidelines on what these businesses can do. However, many still choose to ignore it, and can potentially get you into not only financial trouble, but also criminal trouble.

For example, a relatively new scam out there is being called file segregation. The way it works is the credit-repair agency will show you how to obtain an employee-identification number (substitutes for a Social Security Number). Once obtained, they instruct you to use this new number to apply for new credit, normally using different addresses and phone number to make it difficult for the creditor to link to your last identity. This in essence creates a false identity with a new credit history, which is a felony.

Although the majority of credit-repair agencies do conduct business within the guidelines of the CRO Act, they still charge anywhere from $100 to $1,000 to do what you are able to do with a letter, and no more than the cost of postage. The fact of the mater is the credit bureaus can list negative information for seven years and bankruptcy information for as long as 10 years. And the only way to repair your credit is with new on time payments and by paying off your old debt. You are however entitled to dispute and have any errors fixed that are reported on your credit. This is what the majority of credit-repair agencies will do for you. They generally will state that many consumers can’t even read a credit report, and that using them is just the same as using a company like H&R Block to do your taxes.

Although a credit report may seem complicated, if you have someone willing to walk you through it the first time, it will become easy to understand. This is a service which I offer at no cost to those who need it (visit www.SellingNorthernNV.com). However, I am not by any means a credit professional, and can only provide you with my general knowledge on the subject. I can however get you started in the right direction by showing you where to obtain the information you need to properly have any errors which may appear on your report corrected. You may also be interested in know that you are entitled to add a statement to your report explaining why certain accounts are being reported in a negative way. When applying for credit such as a mortgage loan, the lender will have a chance to consider yourexplanation when deciding whether or not to grant your loan.

Related Posts
Helping Homeowners

Should you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to contact me,(775) 220-1630
Or visit my website at www.SellingNorthernNV.com

Joshua Talayka
Chase International
Office: 775 850 5900
Toll Free: 877 922 5900
Cell: 775 220 1630
Fax: 775 850 5901
985 Damonte Ranch Pkwy, Ste. 110
Reno, Nevada (NV) 89521

Real Estate Investments through Self-Directed IRAs

2007-12-19T02:35:21Z

Most brokerages limit the type of investments you’re allowed to buy in your IRA. If you’re interested in including real estate as part of your IRA to diversify your portfolio, you may want to consider creating a self-directed IRA. It is not an entirely complicated process once you do your research on the subject, but you must follow the laws regarding a self-directed IRA or face penalties.

If you decide to go this route, be prepared for a lot of “due diligence.” As with any real estate transaction, this can be a very lucrative investment. But without proper research and knowledge of the real estate market, you can place yourself in a very risky situation (see Beginner Tips for the Real Estate Investor) . Your best bet is to first of all make sure to enlist the aid of professionals, knowledgeable in this type of transaction. However, it is also very helpful to have general knowledge of any form of investment transaction you are involved in. The professionals you choose to work with should be able to provide you with a basic understanding of the entire process.

You’ll start the process by opening a self-directed IRA or self-directed Roth IRA with a custodian or administrator. A simple internet search will turn up several companies that will handle this type of investment. Understand however that a custodian is a neutral party to the transaction, and by law can’t advise you on how to invest, or in what properties (or other investments) to invest in. Request a list of fees before hiring anyone, as they can vary by company.

Investing in income-producing properties takes a lot of time and effort. You need to know if the right Market Fundamentals are there. For example: the rental demand for your property and rental price must be there, the condition of the property must warrant the investment. This research is generally done by a real estate professional, which you can find at www.SellingNorthernNV.com.

While you generally require around at least $3,000 or less to buy a mutual fund, a real estate investment will generally cost a considerably greater amount. You need to ensure you have enough money in the account, or have the proper financing worked out for your purchase. If you require outside financing, you’ll need to contact a loan professional to determine what loan best fits your needs. You should also make sure there is enough money in your account for all other expenditures such as taxes and management fee.

Should you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to contact me,(775) 220-1630
Or visit my website at www.SellingNorthernNV.com

Joshua Talayka
Chase International
Office: 775 850 5900
Toll Free: 877 922 5900
Cell: 775 220 1630
Fax: 775 850 5901
985 Damonte Ranch Pkwy, Ste. 110
Reno, Nevada (NV) 89521

Real Estate Farming

2007-12-19T02:25:28Z

When farming an area, keep in mind what your ultimate goal is. You’re not just farming an area to pick up clients that are thinking about Real Estate now, but the ultimate goal is to become more than just a real estate agent, but to become a brand name for that particular group or area. (see Creating an Effective Message)

Before you even get started with you farming campaign, you need to stop and first of all determine who you are going to try and appeal to, and then you need to try and see things from your lead’s perspective. What needs will you need to be able to meet for that particular segment of the market both now, and in the future? The ratio of leads generated from farming will turn into clients based on how trusting of a relationship you have developed with them. From the initial contact to everyone that follows, you need to be proving that you not only deserve their business, but also why you are the best choice for their needs. Remember, people generally make their initial decisions based on emotion. So when I talk about needs, I’m referring to all their needs. Before you can sell yourself as a real estate agent, you need to sell yourself as a person who is generally concerned about their problems, and that you truly wish to help.

Once a relationship is developed, you must be consistent about making repeated contact with them. People generally change homes between on average of every 4-5 years. This means in order actually become their agent, you will have to conduct quality farming for at least 2-5 years. So remember take your time choosing who and where you want to farm, it's going to be a very long commitment.

There are several means available to successfully farm a particular group or area. For example: Postcards, letters, brochures, newsletters, emails, etc. All offer easy ways to make contact, and every agent will have his or her preference. With today’s world being more and more internet dependant, you can save a ton of money, and increase your farming by utilizing various E-marketing campaigns. I however suggest you utilize a combination of methods to ensure you are contacting them in every possible way.

Related Posts
Business Card Tips
Making the Most of Your Leads

Should you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to contact me,(775) 220-1630
Or visit my website at www.SellingNorthernNV.com

Joshua Talayka
Chase International
Office: 775 850 5900
Toll Free: 877 922 5900
Cell: 775 220 1630
Fax: 775 850 5901
985 Damonte Ranch Pkwy, Ste. 110
Reno, Nevada (NV) 89521

Quick Statistics for Reno and Surrounding Area

2007-12-18T15:51:08Z

COST OF LIVING INDEX

San Francisco, CA 170.6
Los Angeles, CA 158.2
San Jose, CA 156.0
Sacramento, CA 120.1
Reno-Sparks MSA, NV 109.7
Phoenix, AZ 103.8
Salt Lake City, UT 102.9
Denver, CO 100.4
Boise, ID 98.0
Source: ACCRA Cost of Living Index 1st Quarter 2006
CLIMATE IN NORTHERN NEVADA

Temperature High Low

Annual 67.4° 35.2°
January 45.5° 21.8°
April 64.1° 33.2°
July 91.2° 51.4°
October 69.9° 34.0°

Days above 90 53
Relative Humidity 53%
Annual Water Total 7.48”
Annual Snow Total 24.3”
Clear/partly cloudy days 251
Phoenix, AZ 103.8
Salt Lake City, UT 102.9
Denver, CO 100.4
Boise, ID 98.0
Source: Western Regional Climate Center
PER CAPITA PERSONAL INCOME FOR SELECT MSAs 2004

Area Name Dollars U.S. Ranking

San Francisco, CA $49,276 2
San Jose, CA $48,530 3
Denver, CO $40,939 12
Reno-Sparks MSA $39,430 19
Los Angeles, CA $35,188 47
Sacramento, CA $33,338 74
Salt Lake City, UT $31,419 119
Phoenix, AZ $31,133 128
Boise, ID $30,545 139
Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis
Washoe County Median Household Income = $47,402
US Median Household Income = $44,684
(US Census Bureau, 2004 American Community Survey)
AVERAGE HOME PRICE

Area Name Home Price* 2 Bed Rent

San Francisco, CA $873,361 $1987
San Jose, CA $828,210 $1186
Los Angeles, CA $848,780 $1630
Sacramento, CA $500,555 $924
Reno-Sparks MSA $360,800 $760
Phoenix, AZ $356,809 $760
Denver, CO $333,075 $741
Salt Lake City, UT $305,975 $750
Boise, ID $264,000 $757
Source: ACCRA Cost of Living Index 1st Q 2006
* total purchase price of a 2,400 sq ft new home on 8,000 sq ft lot in urban area with all utilities
** apartment, monthly rent for a 2 bed unfi nished excluding all utilities except water, 1 ½ or 2 bath, 950 sq ft.
AVERAGE ANNUAL GROWTH

1990-00 2000-10 2010-20
Northwest* Nevada 3.3% 22.3% 13.6%
RENO-SPARKS MSA POPULATION

Population 2002 2003 2004 2005

Washoe County 359,423 373,233 383,452 396,844
Northwest* Nevada 500,895 519,036 535,845 556,928

POPULATION PROJECTIONS

Population 2010 2015 2020

Washoe County 415,402 442,878 466,546
Northwest* Nevada 583,000 625,000 661,941
Nevada 2,806,940 3,125,677 3,412,147
Source: Office of the State Demographer
* Northwest Nevada: Washoe, Carson, Douglas, Lyon and Storey Counties

RENO-SPARKS MSA RACE & ETHNICITY 2005

Race % of Pop.

Caucasion 69.7%
African American 2.2%
American Indian, Escimo, or Aluet* 1.9%
Asian or Pacific Islander 5.9%
Hispanic Origin 20.3%
Source: Nevada Office of the State Demographer
*not of Hispanic origin
RENO-SPARKS MSA AGE DISTRIBUTION 2002

Age Persons % of Pop

0-19 112575 28.1%
20-39 116218 29.0%
40-64 130499 32.6%
65-85+ 41565 10.4%
Source: Nevada Offi ce of the State Demographer
EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT RENO-SPARKS MSA
27% of population (25 and older) with bachelor’s degree or higher (equal to national average)
Source: US Census, 2004 American Community Survey
FORTUNE 500 COMPANIES DOING BUSINESS IN NORTHERN NEVADA
THIRTY-FIVE FORTUNE 500 COMPANIES AND NINE OF FORTUNE’S TOP 20 OF AMERICA’S MOST ADMIRED COMPANIES HAVE A SIGNIFICANT PRESENCE IN NORTHERN NEVADA.
These companies represent a range of top multi-national brands that have chosen Reno/Sparks/Lake Tahoe to do business because of Nevada’s tax-friendly climate and unparalleled quality of life.

Rating # Corporation

2 Wal-Mart Stores*
3 General Mortors
7 General Electric*
25 Dell*
27 AmerisourceBergen
31 Pfizer
39 AT&T
44 United Parcel Service*
48 Microsoft*
61 PepsiCo*
68 Sysco
70 FedEx*
79 Alcoa
83 Cisco Systems
89 Coca-Cola
90 Weyerhaeuser
96 Deere
118 J.C. Penney
159 Apple Computer*
196 Oracle
209 Arrow Electronics
215 Aramark
265 R.R. Donnelley & Sons
272 Amazon.com
311 Sherwin-Williams
338 Starbucks*
379 C.H. Robinson Worldwide
380 Harley-Davidson
413 Charter Communications
418 Charles Schwab
422 Barnes & Noble
424 US Airways Group
445 Henry Schein
460 Clorox
461 Newmont Mining
476 Graybar Electric
Source: Fortune magazine, April 2006;
*America’s Most Admired Companies 2006

Home Sales Up Prices Down
Housing Market Rebound

Should you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to contact me,(775) 220-1630
Or visit my website at www.SellingNorthernNV.com

Joshua Talayka
Chase International
Office: 775 850 5900
Toll Free: 877 922 5900
Cell: 775 220 1630
Fax: 775 850 5901
985 Damonte Ranch Pkwy, Ste. 110
Reno, Nevada (NV) 89521
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Increasing Foreclosures

2007-12-18T15:44:26Z

In July the amount of foreclosure fillings were up 93 percent compared to July 2006, and 9 percent from just the previous month. In Nevada, there was one filing for every 199 households, making Nevada the state with the highest foreclosure rate with the majority of these filings happened in Clark County.

The main reason behind these increased numbers seems to be that people were refinancing their homes to reduce debt rather than budgeting back. In other words, as long as everyone thought their home was going to go up in value, they would continue to overspend and accumulate debt, then refinance to consolidate their debt, and ultimately start the cycle over.

Owning a home is a great way to help ensure your financial future while having a stable asset to fall back on as a last resort. However, many people instead simply were using their homes as personal piggy banks that they had constant access to. They would allow it to build up some equity, and then break it open and completely empty it, never allowing the value to accumulate. Meanwhile, after breaking open the bank, in order to afford the increased loan amount, most homeowners gave up their fixed rate loans in exchange for an Adjustable Rate, not thinking ahead and in many cases not properly informed about what will happen when the initial term of their loan is up, and their interest rate jumps.

Although current trends have put many people in financial distress, the current foreclosure trend and cooling market may create a more realistic housing market in the years to follow. In the last few years of the recent boom, home prices shot up an astounding amount, and put the average cost of living per person over the average household income. Now that prices are dropping at an astounding rate, we may reach a point where people can purchase homes without having to resort to obtaining risky financing.

Related Posts
Failure to Close
Time for a Change

Should you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to contact me,(775) 220-1630
Or visit my website at www.SellingNorthernNV.com

Joshua Talayka
Chase International
Office: 775 850 5900
Toll Free: 877 922 5900
Cell: 775 220 1630
Fax: 775 850 5901
985 Damonte Ranch Pkwy, Ste. 110
Reno, Nevada (NV) 89521

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Source of Information
Publication: Reno Gazette Journal
Title: U.S. foreclosures up 93 percent
Author: Alex Veiga

Increase in Washoe County’s Real Property Transfer Tax

2007-12-18T15:34:17Z

In an effort to provide funding for the Washoe County School District, The Nevada Legislature may consider the raising of our Real Property Transfer Tax as a way to provide the needed funds. Although I doubt anyone would disagree with the need to increase of funding for our Washoe County School District, is this really the best way to go about raising those funds? If the tax increase does go threw, how will the school district be able to properly budget, and plan when the source of its funding comes from volatile and cyclical tax revenue?

Nevada’s Real Property Transfer Tax is only paid upon the successful transfer of property from one person/entity to another. Furthermore, there are 14 separate exemptions to our Real Property Transfer Tax which people can qualify for. Because of these reasons, there is no way to guarantee a certain amount of tax revenue that will be generated at any given time. The Real Estate market is a volatile market that reacts to multiple economic factors, and therefore actual Real Estate transaction will vary from month to month, and year to year. For example; had the Washoe County School District been funded from this tax in 2004, there probably would have been more than enough tax revenue to properly fund the School Districts programs on account of records sales for the area. However, had they received funding from this tax in 2006, they may have not received enough revenue since the real estate market was experiencing very little activity.

Our community is growing, and our school district need added funding to keep up with our growth. However, it should be provided by a broader based source of funding to ensure the district receives a sufficient amount for its needs.

Related Posts
Quick Statistics
Understanding Local Markets

Should you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to contact me,(775) 220-1630
Or visit my website at www.SellingNorthernNV.com

Joshua Talayka
Chase International
Office: 775 850 5900
Toll Free: 877 922 5900
Cell: 775 220 1630
Fax: 775 850 5901
985 Damonte Ranch Pkwy, Ste. 110
Reno, Nevada (NV) 89521

Profit with “fixer uppers” in today’s slow market

2007-12-18T00:10:41Z

In today’s stagnating market, investing in rentals or other long term housing may not be a smart decision. However, there are plenty of homes out there in need of minor TLC that could easily turn you a quick profit as long as they have the following characteristics.

1. Look for a three or four bedroom home with a good foundation, without any need for major renovation other than cosmetic fix-up. Try and avoid two-bedroom homes as they will be harder to sell in today’s market.

2. Location is key. You want to ensure the property you buy isn’t negatively affected by the surrounding area. You can turn the ugliest home into an eye charmer, but you can’t change things like crime rate, noise pollution, and run-down neighborhoods.

3. You should never put a nickel into a house if you don’t plan on getting at least a dime out of it. Improvements like fresh paint inside and/or out, new light fixtures, new carpet and/or flooring, and landscaping are relatively inexpensive when you consider the amount of return you will net from these improvements. However, if you need to bring in licensed contractor to re-wire the house, install new plumbing, repair the foundation, etc. then you’ll quickly be setting yourself up to take a loss.

4. Purchase a home at least 25-30% below market value of comparable homes in good condition. Your goal is to buy the home, fix it up as quickly as possible, and then sell it quickly. In order to do that, you may need to put the home back on the market slightly under what others are offing in order to sell in today’s market. If you buy it for only 10% under, you may end up breaking even on the deal, which would just be a waste of time. If the seller is unwilling to discount the price, then start looking for another house.

5. Find a motivated seller. Many sellers need to sell their home rather quickly due to a job transfer, pending foreclosure, divorce, etc.

6. Make sure the seller or tenant will vacate immediately upon transfer of title. Trying to fix up a home while someone is living in it is extremely difficult.

7. Home is within reasonable driving distance. You will want to visit the property often while the work is being done. Workers tend to start slacking off if you don’t inspect the property frequently and ensure they are doing the work.

8. Good demand from renters and/or buyers. You only want to buy where local employment and economic conditions are good. If more people are moving out of an area than into it, it’s probably not a good idea to buy there. Also, have a back-up plan. If for some unseen reason you are unable to sell the property after the repairs are done, it will be more beneficial to you if you already determined that you can rent the property fairly quickly without taking a monthly loss. Otherwise you may find yourself taking a loss just to be rid of the property.

Related Posts
Beginner Tips for the Real Estate Investor
Understanding Local Markets

Should you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to contact me,(775) 220-1630
Or visit my website at www.SellingNorthernNV.com

Joshua Talayka
Chase International
Office: 775 850 5900
Toll Free: 877 922 5900
Cell: 775 220 1630
Fax: 775 850 5901
985 Damonte Ranch Pkwy, Ste. 110
Reno, Nevada (NV) 89521

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Postcard Tips

2007-12-18T00:07:44Z

Take what you know about the home-buying/selling process and break it into 12 parts. Now you have a monthly postcard series that will last for a year.

Tie each month’s card back to your online guide. Use phrases like: you’ll find more tips like this in my homebuyer’s guide at www.yoursite.com.

Advertise your experience and past performance.

Include useful information like current interest rates, or neighborhood comps.

Offer them an incentive for contacting you. For example: Call to receive you free sellers guide

Utilize your testimonials. Genuine testimonial have more power than you think.
Here’s an example formula:
Place testimonial on top of card.
Follow up with your message giving actual statistics for your past performance.
Offer to help the reader.
End with your offer and incentive for contacting you.

Related Posts
Business Card Tips
Creating an Effective Message
How to Generate Leads

Should you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to contact me,(775) 220-1630
Or visit my website at www.SellingNorthernNV.com

Joshua Talayka
Chase International
Office: 775 850 5900
Toll Free: 877 922 5900
Cell: 775 220 1630
Fax: 775 850 5901
985 Damonte Ranch Pkwy, Ste. 110
Reno, Nevada (NV) 89521