Roland's Blog: December 2008

EUREKA! I'VE GOT IT! WHY THE MORTGAGE COMPANIES WANT THE HOME OWNER TO BE IN ARREARS.

Via Lenn Harley Homefinders.com MD & VA Real Estate:

                         **  FROM THE DESK OF THE CZAR OF COMMON SENSE IN GOVERNMENT  **

WHY DID NOT THE GOVERNMENT MANDATE MORTGAGE BALANCE REDUCTION FOR BANKS RECEIVING TARP MONEY???

IN THE SPIRIT IF A TRUE BELIEVER IN THE CONSPIRACY THEORY, it all makes sense now.

James Downing's post this a.m. DARN IT - I got one of "THOSE" calls today... was enough to cause a few little brain synapsis in my head to begin stirring. . . .

One fact that James' article reinforces is that the banks will do nothing to assist a home owner if their mortgage payments are still current.   So, faced with the inability to sell their home because the home owner owes more than the house will sell for, SHORT SALE is the only alternative to foreclosure. **

WHY DO BANKS REQUIRE THAT A HOME OWNER BE IN ARREARS BEFORE SHORT SALE APPROVALS?

"WE DON'T LOOK AT SHORT SALE PACKAGES UNTIL THE HOME OWNER IS BEHIND IN THEIR PAYMENTS."  How many times have we heard that?  There is no benefit to a mortgage company to modify a home loan.  If a mortgage loan is modified to reduce the principal amount, the credit rating of the mortgagor will not be affected.  The mortgagor's credit rating would not be affected by a reduction of the mortgage note.  The only change in the home owner's credit report would be the balance owed to the mortgagee. 

I've been advocating for a write-down of the principal balance of home mortgage amounts to appraisal or assessment numbers, but it would take a significant amount of money from the government to cover that loss to the mortgage companies and, if we know anything, we know one thing:  The government is not going to do anything that would cause harm to the profitability of the financial institutions that originate or service or hold the millions of home loans.

That the government is dedicated to preserving the profitability of the banks is a given.  Why then are the financial institutions and the government determined to force a home owner in trouble to ruin their credit before any relief by the mortgage company will even be considered??  That is the question of the day.

MORTGAGE LOAN MODIFICATION WOULD NOT HARM THE CREDIT RATING OF THE CONSUMER.

However. . . .

ONE 30 -60 DAY LATE MORTGAGE PAYMENT WILL REDUCE A CONSUMER'S CREDIT SCORE FOR YEARS.

Could it be that the new "sub-prime", "Alt-A" mortgages will be mortgage instruments invented to serve the millions of consumers with a short sale transaction on their credit report??

What is the benefit to the banks to force the home owner to ruin their credit rating?  Could it be the higher interest rate that can be charged to home buyers with a previous short sale on their credit report?

What could this new mortgage instrument with higher than market rates be named? 

The "SS" loan, for "Short Shrift". 

The "SSS" loan, for "Shafted By Short Sale"

The "SS2" loan, for  the "Short Score" loan

The "Stiff" loan, for "Stiffed by Short Sale Score" loan

No matter what happens or doesn't happen, the consumer loses.  As the number of home owners who accrue 1, 2, 3, months late on their credit reports, they are prime suspects for future home loans with higher interest rates. 

Of course, they are also prime suspects for credit cards with even higher interest rates. 

** A change in the bankruptcy law/code that would permit bankruptcy judges to modify loan principals was a solution proposed.  However, it didn't get through Congress. 

Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988, E-Mail. 

                            Home Owner Family

                                            "HEY, WHO'S LOOKING OUT FOR US??"

Think Clarksville * Think Fort Campbell * Think Real Estate * Think Roland

Roland Woodworth "Innovative Marketing Using Cuttin Edge Technology"

Licensed in both Tennessee & Kentucky. Please don't keep me a secret, if you know anyone looking to BUY or SELL, Please send me an e-mail and give them my name and number.

View my website at Clarksville Home Information or Fort Campbell Housing

Just a Few Suggestions that Might Help - Real Estate Sales Tips

Via Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653) (Austin Texas Homes, LLC):

I had a few recent experiences that made me want to write a post with tips for new and newer real estate agents who are trying to make it in this challenging business.

TIP #1 - MLS PHOTOS

Keep in mind that the goal of your MLS photos is to get someone to take a look at the house.  Well over a year ago, I wrote a post called Worst photo contest.  It was one of my first attempts at humor, and it still brings in an occasional comment.  With that in mind, I would like to share a photo that I found today while running a search for some soon-to-be clients relocating from New York:

 

Could someone explain this one to me?  What is the selling point that they were trying to spotlight here?

Perhaps the caption should read, "COMES WITH INDOOR PLUMBING!" or "YES!  THAT'S A TOILET!".

The funniest part to me is that this agent either squatted down to get the "artistic" angle, or it was taken by Verne Troyer (best known as "Mini-Me").

I do have a couple of sincere suggestions on this topic if you are interested.  Namely:

 

  • Try to have adequate lighting for any photos you take
  • Don't take photos that merely show furniture in a room - you are selling the house presumably, not the belongings inside.  I have seen countless pictures that show a bed and nightstand but which give no scale to the actual room
  • When taking exterior pictures in the front of the house, your best angle is usually opposite of the garage.  If the garage is on the side or in the back, disregard this tip and do your best.

 

TIP #2 - NEGOTIATING

When you are negotiating on behalf of your clients, try NOT to use any trite techniques.  What do I mean by that, anyway?  Well, here are a few examples from my own career of things I would strenously avoid if possible:

1. When representing the buyer, please do not try to pull comparable sales to justify a ridiculously low offer from your client.  This comes across as confrontational and sets the wrong tone.  I have written a few lowball offers in my day, but they are usually presented without apology.  There is probably a reason for the number we chose.  If you want to say anything at all, just say something like, "I hope we can come to an agreement.  Thanks!"

On the other side of the coin:

2. When representing the seller, don't act personally offended by ANY legitimate offers that are presented to you in writing for your listings.  Don't scoff at the buyer's agent, or say "I had to use smelling salts on the seller" (I literally heard this one once).  Just say, "Thanks so much for the offer.  I will see what I can do.  I'll be back in touch soon."  Again, there's no need to set a bitter tone from the outset.  You may have to work with the other agent for weeks. 

3. Set the appropriate expectations with your clients.  I wrote a whole post on this topic many moons ago: Are you helping your clients through the maze, or are you a stumbling block?.  When negotiating repairs on a resale home, try not to lead your clients to expect perfection (i.e. not everything that the inspector finds is something the seller will be willing to fix).  Don't over-promise on pricing or terms.  

 

TIP #3 - SHOWING PROPERTIES 

Having shown literally thousands of homes and having sold hundreds of them during my 12-year real estate career, I speak with at least some measure of authority here.  These are just things that work for me.

1. SET THE TONE AT THE OUTSET.  I usually say, "We have quite a few places to see today.  If we pull up to one of them, and you really hate it, just tell me and we'll go to the next place.  I want to make the best use of your time.  I didn't build these homes, and I don't live in them, so you won't be offending me."

2. ORGANIZE your showings.  Try to allow for travel time between houses, and for a meal if you are going to be out all day.  I am amazed how many of my buyer clients have worked with previous agents who just sort of "wing it" when it comes to showings.  Get everything mapped out and planned the day before you show, if possible.

3. BE HONEST.  Not every home is worth considering.  If it's sitting next to a wastewater treatment plant with railroad tracks behind it, don't be afraid to point out shortcomings.  It's the right thing to do, and you will earn points with your clients for your integrity.  If you don't know the answer to a question, "I don't know" is a fine response, possibly followed by "I bet we can find out, though."

4. DON'T TALK TOO MUCH. I have seen agents talk themselves out of a home sale by not being quiet at the right time.  This cannot be overemphasized.  Try to take your cues from the client here.  If they seem interested, it's fine to point out additional good features.  If they are utterly disinterested, MOVE ON to the next place (see #1).

I hope some of this comes in handy for you.  As a broker, I train my team of agents on these techniques, along with a host of other topics.  Thanks for reading!

Austin TX Real Estate     Jason Crouch  

Think Clarksville * Think Fort Campbell * Think Real Estate * Think Roland

Roland Woodworth "Innovative Marketing Using Cuttin Edge Technology"

Licensed in both Tennessee & Kentucky. Please don't keep me a secret, if you know anyone looking to BUY or SELL, Please send me an e-mail and give them my name and number.

View my website at Clarksville Home Information or Fort Campbell Housing

Clarksville Transit System to offer FREE rides for New Year's Party Goers

Via Tim and Pam Cash - Clarksville TN Real Estate Professionals (Crye-Leike (Sango)):

In an attempt to keep Clarksvillians safe this New Years Eve and Early Morning, the Clarksville Transit System will be offering free rides from parties and local establishments to your residence.  Key word is to your residence and NOT from one party to another.

I sincerely hope that all Clarksville residents who are thinking of going out to celebrate the coming of 2009 will have a plan whether it be the Clarksville Transit System, Taxi Service, Designated Driver, etc, please have a plan that does not include you getting behind the wheel after drinking. 

From 11 p.m. New Year's Eve to 4 a.m. Jan. 1, those within Clarksville city limits needing a ride home can call 553-2429.

It usually takes 15 minutes for a CTS van to arrive - and again, remember CTS will take only party-goers from parties and to homes within Clarksville city limits!

Think Clarksville * Think Fort Campbell * Think Real Estate * Think Roland

Roland Woodworth "Innovative Marketing Using Cuttin Edge Technology"

Licensed in both Tennessee & Kentucky. Please don't keep me a secret, if you know anyone looking to BUY or SELL, Please send me an e-mail and give them my name and number.

View my website at Clarksville Home Information or Fort Campbell Housing

VIRGINIA HOME BUYERS DO NEED AN AGENT, ESPECIALLY WHEN BUYING A "FOR SALE BY OWNER" PROPERTY.

Not only in Virgina.. This applys here in Tennessee and Kentucky too. Thanks Lenn.

Via Lenn Harley Homefinders.com MD & VA Real Estate:

NORTHERN VIRGINIA BUYERS NEED TO KNOW THE FACTS WHEN BUYING REAL ESTATE.

Inspired by Scott Daniels'  post about a consumer who purchased a FSBO without using the services of a buyer's agent. 

FACT:  Virginia is a "caveat emptor" state. 

"Let the buyer beware", the ancient axiom that dictates that the consumer must protect themselves against being cheated. 

WHAT SHOULD SELLERS TELL BUYERS ABOUT THE PROPERTY? 
Virginia is a caveat emptor (buyer beware) state. This means it is up to the buyer to inspect the property carefully to determine if it is suitable for his needs. The seller is under no duty or obligation to point out defects - even hidden defects, more. . . . . .  Alliance Title and Escrow of Virginia.

FACT:  In Virginia, a seller/owner of a property has no legal requirement to protect the interests of a home buyer. 

FACT:  The most sensible way for a home buyer to protect themselves against being cheated is to use the services of an experienced real estate buyer's agent. 

FACT:  A buyer's agent can provide a home buyer with information needed to make sensible buying decisions by providing experienced contract management including but not limited to:

  •   A guided tour of the property with special attention to property condition.
  •   A detailed analysis of the price compared with recent closed sales of similar area properties.
  •   Access to Board approved property condition disclosures for buyer to review before making offer.
  •   Review of mortgage company Good Faith Estimate from buyers.
  •   Notice to seller of any required HOA or Condominium documents and disclosures.
  •    Board approved forms for Contract of Sale.
  •   Inclusion of contingencies in the Contract of Sale to protect the buyer's escrow money.
  •   Detailed explanation by buyer's agent of Contract of Sale including "Property Condition". 
  •   Broker escrow account for deposit of home buyers earnest money.
  •   Present Contract of Sale to owner/seller with required disclosures. 
  •   Recommendation of experienced home inspector and termite inspector
  •   Preparation of Home Inspection Notice and buyers request for repairs.
  •   Schedule meeting with title company/attorney for title examination / survey / closing meeting.
  •   Conduct final pre-settlement walk-through of property for condition and verify repairs.   
  •   Review of Form HUD-1 for accuracy. 

ONLY AN EXPERIENCED BUYER'S AGENT can provide these services for a home buyer.  This is especially important when a seller is represented by an attorney who will have the duty to represent the seller in all matters related to the showing, contract, escrow, settlement matters. 

DON'T EXPECT THE SELLER or THE SELLER'S ATTORNEY BE "FAIR".  There is no legal requirement for a seller or a seller's attorney to be FAIR.  The seller's attorney's duty is to advocate for the seller. 

BUYING A HOME from a "FOR SALE BY OWNER" seller is risky for any buyer. 

BUYING A HOME from a "FOR SALE BY OWNER" without using the services of an experienced Buyer's Agent is dangerous to your financial health. 

CAVIET EMPTOR - Let the buyer beware!

ATTENTION:  HOME BUYERS: 

  • ONLY A BUYER'S AGENT WILL ADVOCATE FOR YOU.
  • ONLY A BUYERS AGENT WILL HAVE A DUTY TO PROTECT YOUR INTEREST ABOVE THEIR OWN. 

                                           Home buyers in Virginia

                                         Enjoy the Home Buying Experience.

Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988, E-Mail.

 

Think Clarksville * Think Fort Campbell * Think Real Estate * Think Roland

Roland Woodworth "Innovative Marketing Using Cuttin Edge Technology"

Licensed in both Tennessee & Kentucky. Please don't keep me a secret, if you know anyone looking to BUY or SELL, Please send me an e-mail and give them my name and number.

View my website at Clarksville Home Information or Fort Campbell Housing

What Do People Say About You - Are You Genuine or Are You As Fake As They Come?

Via Jessica Bigger~Eureka CA Historic & Luxury Homes (Ming Tree GMAC Real Estate):

When it comes to integrity, when it comes to being genuine...actions speak louder than words.  Could you describe yourself as a real estate agent or just a person who has integrity?  How do others feel about you?  Do you stand by the motto,"treat others how you would want to be treated"?

I'm sure if we all ask ourselves this question, we would all answer the same.  Oh yeah, I'm a good person, I honestly care about others.  Sure.

But as we all know that isn't true.  We've all met people who rubbed us the wrong way.  We've all met people who we questioned their true Would You Trust Me?intentions.  I've even met people, who are good people, but they come off as not being true to others let alone themselves.  

 

Are you real?

 

I'll give you an example.  Think of a Disc Jockey on a radio station.  That on air guy that sounds rehearsed and homogenized, as if he has no soul.

Then there are other stations where you truly feel connected to the Disc Jockey, because his or her true personality comes through. (by the way few of these stations exist - thanks to the mainstream commercial consolidated homegenized radio industry).  My point is, you connect with the person.  They're real.  You trust them.  No amount of rehearsing or practicing can mask the real you.

 

Having integrity means truly caring about the people in your life, including your future, present and former clients.  It's not about the art of the deal to get that listing at all costs.  It's not about withholding information so the deal closes and you can get your paycheck.  It's not about treating your clients as a one time offer, either. 

 

Being genuine means being yourself, not putting a mask on and being somebody you don't even recognize.

 

To build a successful business we have to build trust with our clients.  If they don't trust you, if they walk away from the deal feeling you weren't completely upfront and honest with them, you will not create a lasting business of repeat customers or even a referral based business.  And you will constantly have to cold call for new business every day to keep yours going.

 

You can sit there and advertise that you are genuine, honest and have integrity.  But it's just like telling the world your the best real estate agent in joe schmoe county and of course tomorrow your competitor will have an ad saying they are the best real estate agent in the entire world.  Woo Hoo.

 

So if you're one of the good ones.  You genuinely care about others, especially your clients.  Remember...actions speak louder than words.  It's one thing to say you are a good person, it's another thing entirely when you show people you care.  If you are genuine, people will pick up on that and you won't have to prove yourself or fake your way through to earn their trust. 

 

You'll earn it by just being genuine you.

 

Copyright 2008 Jessica Bigger.  All Rights Reserved. *What Do People Say About You - Are You Genuine or Are You As Fake As They Come?* 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Visit www.GoHumboldtHomes.com for information about the Humboldt County Real Estate market, to learn more about how we can help you whether you're ready to sell your current home or buying your first home.  Or just learn more about what our community has to offer if you're considering moving to Humboldt County California.

 

Think Clarksville * Think Fort Campbell * Think Real Estate * Think Roland

Roland Woodworth "Innovative Marketing Using Cuttin Edge Technology"

Licensed in both Tennessee & Kentucky. Please don't keep me a secret, if you know anyone looking to BUY or SELL, Please send me an e-mail and give them my name and number.

View my website at Clarksville Home Information or Fort Campbell Housing

NEED ONE MORE UNIQUELY-CHICAGO CHRISTMAS GIFT - AL CAPONE'S CHICAGO HOME FOR SALE!

Looking to Buy a Historic home in Chicago ? Call Dean

Via Dean Moss - Dean's Team Chicago Real Estate Team (Dean's Team - Keller Williams Lincoln Square Chicago):

CURRENT OWNER OF 7244 SOUTH PRAIRIE AVENUE, CHICAGO, TO SELL HOME WITH NOTORIOUS HISTORY THIS SPRING!

Al Capone's Chicago Home - 1923-1947 - 7244 S. Prairie, Chicago (Photo Courtesy of Chicago History Museum - CHS DN -91356)Perhaps you're the one who already has everything - and everything else all lined up under the Christmas Tree this morning!  Well, just in you're looking for one more uniquely-Chicago gift, one will be available after the New Year.

The early-1900's era two-flat building where Al Capone lived when he first came to Chicago will be for sale!  It's current owner, Barbara Hogsette has plans to relocate out of state in a few months, and needs to sell.  She will be asking somewhere in the mid- $400's.  You interested?

Check out Google Street View and you'll find the red-brick building blending right in to the other Chicago-style Bungalows and small apartment buildings up and down the street.  It's located in the middle-class Park Manor Neighborhood of Chicago, about 9 miles directly south of Downtown Chicago and The Loop.  Then, as today, the two-flat is in a very quiet residential neighborhood, far from the hub bub of the city.

(Photo courtesy of The Chicago History Museum - CHS DN-19356)

The Capone family purchased the building in August, 1923 for $5,500, according to Cook County Deed Records.  To protect his family from his own nefarious activities, the home was deeded to his wife, Mae, and his mother, Teresa.  After Al Capone died in 1947, his mother remained in the house until 1952, when it was taken over by a neighborhood bank.

When Hogsette purchased the home in 1963, for $29,500, she knew little about its notorious past owner.  To this day, the exterior, and many vintage interior features, remain virtually unchanged to the days when The Capones' were on title.  There are three bedrooms on each level, no-longer-available green and white tile in the entry foyer, and long, narrow Chicago-style hallways with dark-stained hardwood floors.

The building also features a full basement with an old wine cellar.  When Hogsette closed on the home 45 years ago, the basement contained a long table and a couple of antique telephones which police believed to be a part of Capone's bookie operation.

Said Hogsette, a retired school teacher, "I've read some things about [Capone], and I've seen the 'Untouchables,' but I never really thought about this being his home.  This is my home. I never thought it was that sensational that he had lived here."

To this day, the home is quite inconspicuous in the neighborhood.  No plaques designated that Chicago Gangster Capone once lived here.  Over the years, Hogsette and others have been resistant to give the home any more notoriety, although unofficial Chicago Tour Buses include the home in drive-by each summer.

Do you want a piece of Chicago History?   Here's your chance!

BTW . . . Our Team would be more than happy to represent you as Buyer's Agents should you buy!

See our post today @ BlogChicagoHomes.com for more, with a link to Joel Hood's story in today's Chicago Tribune.

And have a Blessed Holiday, from Our Team to Yours!

DEAN & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO

Think Clarksville * Think Fort Campbell * Think Real Estate * Think Roland

Roland Woodworth "Innovative Marketing Using Cuttin Edge Technology"

Licensed in both Tennessee & Kentucky. Please don't keep me a secret, if you know anyone looking to BUY or SELL, Please send me an e-mail and give them my name and number.

View my website at Clarksville Home Information or Fort Campbell Housing

Is It True That Santa Wants a Bailout Too?

Things the kids ask for these days....

Via Craig Rutman North Carolina (Raleigh Area) Realtor (Home Buyer and Seller Specialist):

What's become of our economy? 

First there's a mortgage meltdown.

Mr. Housing Bubble

 

Next the banking system is in turmoil.

 

Financial Crisis


Finally the "Big 3" auto makers are asking for financial relief.

 

Auto Bailout

 

But now, on top of all this, Christmas is in trouble......Santa Wants a bailout too!!!

 

Broke Santa

When will it end? Where does it stop? Oh, the insanity of it all! 2009 just can't come fast enough!!!

 

 

About The Author

Craig Rutman is a North Carolina Residential Real Estate Specialist that can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in the Raleigh - Cary – Apex Metro area; or any place else in the country by connecting you with a relocation professional in your destination of choice.

To find all available homes for sale in the Triangle area of North Carolina, please visit www.justnchomes.com

Craig Rutman & Linda Jandura. Call us TODAY at 919-771-7779

Email us with your Raleigh - Cary – Apex area questions

Think Clarksville * Think Fort Campbell * Think Real Estate * Think Roland

Roland Woodworth "Innovative Marketing Using Cuttin Edge Technology"

Licensed in both Tennessee & Kentucky. Please don't keep me a secret, if you know anyone looking to BUY or SELL, Please send me an e-mail and give them my name and number.

View my website at Clarksville Home Information or Fort Campbell Housing

Mr. and Mrs. FSBO doesn`t care about you! Buyer learns the hard way, why they need a Realtor!

Great information. This can happen in Tennessee or Kentucky just as easy. Always a good idea to have a Realtor to represent you. Read below.

Via Florida List For Less Realty, Inc. Broker/Owner. :

I hate it when a former client gets into trouble.

It`s never easy to get involved when something happens to them which is out of your control.

 

Five months ago we were working with a buyer who decided to purchase a FSBO. They believed "They were getting a better deal" by cutting out the Realtors.

Famous last words to any Realtor who`s heard that before!

 

In fact when they originally told me of their plan, and why they were placing $7500 in escrow with the Sellers Title company I begged them to reconsider.

They explained the Seller doesn`t want any Realtors involved and it`s best to listen to what the Seller wants,rather than listen to the Realtor who represented them! Nice,huh?

 

 

We closed the file,wished them the best and moved on.

Apparently, the home never appraised for the purchase price, after several attempts of going back and forth with the Seller to no avail the Buyer wanted out of the contract!

No such luck!

The seller and the attorney holding the escrow were adamant about keeping the $7500. They explained to the buyer "The Loan Commitment" expired and they have to "Buy The Home" regardless of appraisal issues.

Unable to secure a loan the buyer is in a huge bind!

It`s not our policy to get involved in a transaction which doesn`t concern us!

I`ve found during the course of a few years it tends to lead to much more trouble then its worth.

Helping someone retrieve their escrow deposit especially when they made the decision to go against our recommendation is a sure fire headache,one I like to avoid!

 

I decided to have the buyer send us a copy  of the executed contract!

I was aghast at what I read!

The Seller`s really took "Full Advantage" of the buyer by adding an addendum which states" If property located at ---------------------------  doesn`t close by Dec. 31st,2008, than buyer forfeit's all rights to the escrow deposit to seller"..

 

It doesn`t mention appraisal issues or loan commitments.The buyer signed away their deposit money and will have to seek in our opinion legal counsel if they wish to go further.

 

They buyer explained they wanted the house so badly they didn`t realize the consequences.which is exactly why Mr. FSBo didn`t want any Realtors involved! They Knew!

 

 

The moral of this story is quite simple" When dealing with a FSBO it`s always best to hire a Realtor to handle the negotiations with a FSBO.

Entertaining a FSBO~s demands can really cost you! In this case it may wind up costing this person $7500!  

visit us @ www.browardbesthomes.com

       

 

Think Clarksville * Think Fort Campbell * Think Real Estate * Think Roland

Roland Woodworth "Innovative Marketing Using Cuttin Edge Technology"

Licensed in both Tennessee & Kentucky. Please don't keep me a secret, if you know anyone looking to BUY or SELL, Please send me an e-mail and give them my name and number.

View my website at Clarksville Home Information or Fort Campbell Housing

WHERE DO YOU PLAN TO ADVERTISE YOUR SERVICES IN 2009 - Magazines, Newspapers, Web Site . . . . . . . Chapter 3.

Via Lenn Harley Homefinders.com MD & VA Real Estate:

WHERE TO SPEND YOUR ADVERTISING DOLLARS?  How do we advertise our services?  As stated in Chapter 2, "The last thing real estate agents and brokers need to hear in a recession, when every dollar is important, is "just give it a try".   Advertising dollars should be invested, not gambled." 

Chapter 1 and 2 of this series examined the potential value of:

  • Real estate magazines
  • TV advertising (Cable)
  • TV advertising (Local and network stations)
  • Radio advertising
  • Newspapers
  • Internet Pay-Per-Click
  • CHAPTER 3 EXAMINES INTERNET DIRECTORIES

    Examples: 

    Open Source Project(DMOZ) -This directory has been around since about 1999 and while not always easy to follow, it is relied upon by many other directories and web sites for authentication of submissions since each site included in the directory is reviewed by a human editor.  Ranked an enviable PR9, DMOZ is a valuable back link. 

    AgentPreview.com - Highly ranked and well managed, this directory offers two benefits to subscribers, direct contact from the public and valuable back link.  Offers link exchange or fee based listings.  This is one of the few directories that offers subscribers a profile page rather than just a title link.  Ranked a PR4, this is a good back link to your web site. 

    REALS.com- Well organized and well ranked in Google, this is a true directory that provided links to your web site for a fee.  Ranked a PR3, a back link from REALS.com is a popular list for agents who practice in a limited geographical area.  Expensive because listings are by city and the cost can mount. 

    IRED.com- On the Internet scene since about 1995-1996, International Real Estate Directory has been providing advertising for the real estate industry as long as I can remember.  Becky Swann, the originator of IRED is from the real estate industry, making IRED unique in real estate advertising.  While IRED has become a bit expensive in recent years because featured listings are by city and many agents cover many cities, IRED.com is still a valuable back link and still accepts free listings in their directory.  The one feature that I find objectionable about IRED is that they "rate" web sites. 

    What to look for in a real estate directory?  Before spending money to buy a listing in a real estate directory, an agent or broker might want to make sure that the directory/web site is

    • 1.  Indexed in Google
    • 2.  Crawled by Google in a timely basis, every couple of days, not every couple of weeks. 
    • 3.  Ranked as high as or higher than your web site.
    • 4.  Is focused on the real estate industry.
    • 5.  Does the directory rate subscribers?  If so, how objective is the rating criteria? 
    • 6.  How does the directory "rank" in Google SERP?  If a real estate directory doesn't rank well in search, how many consumers are going to see your listing??
    • 7.  Is your listing in a directory prominent or overshadowed by advertising on the page? 

    CHAPTER 1 - Magazines, TV, Radio

    CHAPTER 2 - Newspapers, PPC

    COMING SOON 

  • Web site(s)
  • Blogging
  • Internet networks
  • Floor duty
  • Buying leads
  • Door hangers
  • Open house
  • Title companies
  • Loan officers
  • Cold calling
  • Door knocking
  • Home buyer seminars 
  • Yard signs
  • Listing brochures
  • Direct mail
  • All that I forgot 
  • Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988, E-Mail

    Lenn's Blog

     

    Think Clarksville * Think Fort Campbell * Think Real Estate * Think Roland

    Roland Woodworth "Innovative Marketing Using Cuttin Edge Technology"

    Licensed in both Tennessee & Kentucky. Please don't keep me a secret, if you know anyone looking to BUY or SELL, Please send me an e-mail and give them my name and number.

    View my website at Clarksville Home Information or Fort Campbell Housing

    What is YOUR Buying Strategy for 2009?

    Great information by Jeff

    Via Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Real Estate ~ 760-840-1360 (RE/MAX Associates):

    How much money can you spend on real estate?If you are considering buying a home in 2009, or perhaps have been working on it but it hasn't happened, you might want to do some planning.

    What IS your real estate buying strategy?

    Do you HAVE a strategy or are you going to just go about it haphazardly?

    Consider the following:

    DON'T IGNORE THE INTEREST RATES

    Interest rates are historically low and there are predictions of 4.5%. It's worthwhile checking into what programs you can qualify for and what this means financially for your monthly budget. Be aware that loan qualification requirements remain very tight and a good number of folks may simply not qualify for the lowest rates, or at all. 

    UNDERSTAND NEW LOAN LIMITS AND CHANGES AND GET PRE-APPROVED

    It's wise to consult with a knowledgeable mortgage broker to get the low down on all the programs and some of the new loan limits - FHA, VA and conforming - that are being implemented in 2009. And find out what you qualify to borrow, and make sure you get a Good Faith Estimate from your mortgage professional. Check back in with your mortgage broker if you were pre-approved some time ago

    CONSIDER ALL AVAILABLE HOMES IN YOUR PRICE RANGE

    More foreclosures are expected in 2009. Provided you have the stomach for waiting for a short sale or foreclosure to close, there may be even more opportunities. I would not recommend focusing only on distress properties, although for some budgets and markets you may not have a choice. Consider all your options so you can make the best choice for you, and understand the risks and implications of the distress versus the typical sales.

    READ MORE: Buying a Short Sale

    BE THOROUGH IN YOUR RESEARCH, BUT DON'T GET PARALYZED BY THE INTERNET

    Make sure you do your research to learn about your local housing market and the homes available to you. But don't get so hung up on on-line searching and avoid the real world - drive bys and open houses for example. The Internet is a tool but don't depend on it to the extent you cannot or will not make a decision.

    READ MORE: Tips on Becoming a Good Buyer

    HOOK UP WITH A QUALIFIED REALTOR IN YOUR MARKET

    If you are still going it alone, I recommend hiring a knowledgeable REALTOR who knows your market to help you navigate the transaction, especially if you are considering short sales, foreclosures and REOS (make sure your agent has some experience with these properties). Distress sales can be complicated and frustrating and you want someone who will be an advocate, not a paper-pusher. Use social media to help you if you don't have a referral - blogs, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn and other social networks where agents congregate.

    Money     Money     Money     Money     Money     Money

    None of this probably matters if you aren't committed. If your need to buy is not real, or you are waiting for the bottom to arrive, I'd say the commitment to buy is not really there. Plus you ought to have an idea of what you want to buy, or where you want to live, etc.

    A strategy won't do you much good if you don't know what your goal is. You need to know where you are going in order to figure out how best to get there.

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    If I can provide more information about Carlsbad and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

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    All content copyright © 2008 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

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