Iowa

New Brokerage Blog - Saturday Highlights

11-21-09

Georgia Weaver: Real Estate Sales Person in Storm Lake, IA

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Office: (712) 200-4663

Mobile: (712) 574-5426

The new office is located in a small town just west of Storm Lake Iowa, the town of Alta. I am in the office today, good traffic so far, new store opened in the building next to mine and it is drawing a lot of people. Many are stopping in or at least reading the sign.

My tasks today:
Follow-up with 3 prospective sellers and 2 buyers,
Complete and print the business newsletter
Review a transaction closing on Monday
Move sign frames to office and storage
Set-up showings for Monday and Tuesday
Review next weeks schedule (taking Thanksgiving off - family in)
Prepare listing forms for 2 new properties
Work on 7a loan application
Approve proofs for advertising next week
Develop ads for new listings

Yesterday we added some of the new signage to our building front, it should help people see our signage better.

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New Brokerage Blog - 11/21/09

11-21-09

Georgia Weaver

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Office: (712) 200-4663

Mobile: (712) 574-5426

Below are the beginning business statistics:

1) Started my own Brokerage October 27, 2009
2) Experience - real estate (licensed 5 years), Associate Broker 3 years, CRS, GRI, AHS, BS Ed, investor 8 years, previous experience building and running my own company 5 years, corporate management 9 years
3) Location - good for foot traffic, abundant parking, good signage visibility, office space remodeled to fit new needs, remodel completed by us and we own the building
4) Equipment - Utilized some existing and purchased some - signs, office furniture, computers, printers, cameras*
5) People - Myself and an Administrative person who plans to get licensed6) Marketing experience - 10 years, Internet, web development,print, photography
7) Financing - Start-up, Self financed(approximately $12,000), next phase - expansion with a loan (looking into a SBA 7a Loan)
8) Time Committed to generating business and running business - approximately 60 hrs a week
9) Time required to be able to open office and do business - approximately 6 months, financial planning, office layout, remodeling, marketing plan, business plan, signage, accounting, legal, state, federal, supplies, other.*

*Used many local persons for work and supplies (signage, beautiful, unique and reasonable) but also found many great deals online.

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New Brokerage Blog - Startup to Finish Line

11-21-09

Georgia Weaver

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Office: (712) 200-4663

Mobile: (712) 574-5426

Hey Everyone,

This blog is a record of the day-to-day workings and issues inside a new brokerage. I am writing it to help others make the leap successfully or decide to stay where they are after seeing what it takes to be successful and through your advice and input help me grow a new company

I see this as a journey, and every journey needs preparation, resources and a destination. Sharing this with you will help me, I do hope to help you too. If you have questions about things as I blog please put them in the comments, any advice is humbly and gratefully received.

Next blog will be my beginning business statistics - Thank you

My hat is on and I have taken to the open road - high mountains in view but level path and sunshine straight ahead.

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RESPA Luncheon at Des Moines' Latin King Restaurant Higlighted Changes and Real Estate Issues

11-20-09

Matt Grohe CRS, GRI, ABR

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Office: (515) 271-8999

Mobile: (515) 988-3726
Secondary: (515) 276-2872

There was more than just superb Italian food on the menu today Friday November 20th 2009 at Des Moines' Tursi's Latin King restaurant, also served up were heapin helpings of Real Estate Settlement and Procedure changes and hot button issues for real estate agents in Des Moines.

Today's lunch was graciously hosted by Steve SchraderBachar of Wells Fargo Ankeny and Wells Fargo western Iowa division supervisor Larry Geddell. If you don't know Steve you're missing out. Steve is a highly competent mortgage originator who speaks in plain language, works quickly and efficiently, goes to where the client needs him, answers his phone at all hours and times, and gives big hugs (if you want one). Steve can be reached at 515-360-5197.

While we waited for lallygaggers to assemble, agents were abuzz with these topics:

1.) Late HUDs. "Can we get them more than 4 hours before close, pretty please, with sugar on top?"

2.) Smart phones. Absolutely indispensable. Droid had folks intrigued. AT&T might not have the best coverage. Blackberry Storm was panned.

3.) Thin inventory. After the first time buyer frenzy "There's a lot of junk out there."

4.) Underwriting. "Man those people are really trying our patience!"

5.) Appraisals. New rules have the closing process hog tied. It would be better "if we could communicate more freely."

6.) Unemployment. Buyers are holding back "because they want to make sure they still have a job next year."

7.) Tax credit. "Those move up buyers are out there poking around, but they sure are picky!"

8.) Social media. Old school agents are slow to embrace and realize its value but they "Know we need to use it though without coming off like an Encyclopedia Britannica or siding sales person."

RESPA changes looming:

1.) New GFE or Good Faith Estimates required on applications taken after January 1st, 2010, complete with"tolerance levels" for services associated with obtaining the mortgage.

2.) NEW RESPA reform HUD-1 (4 pages) must closely align with initial GFE.

3.) Comparison chart. Side by side visual will compare final loan terms with GFE.

4.) Revised GFE will need to be provided to a buyer a minimum of 1 business day prior to closing for the buyer to review. If APR increases greater than .125% TIL or Truth in Lending disclosure must be revised a minimum of 7 business days prior to closing.

The lunch was grand, the company grander and the knowledge a good side dish. Nothing like getting together for a leisurely free lunch with colleagues while expanding our horizons. Thanks Larry and Steve!

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4060 Priaire Lane, Bettendorf, Iowa 52722: HUD Acquired Foreclosure Property: NOW available for viewing and Purchase!!

11-20-09

Paul David Hiebing, REALTOR @ Grampp Realty/GMAC Real Estate: Quad-Cities

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Office: (563) 359-4401 x264

Mobile: (563) 508-1649

Bettendorf, Iowa Foreclosure Real Estate:

4060 Priaire Lane, Bettendorf, Iowa 52722: HUD Acquired Foreclosure Property: NOW available for viewing and Purchase!!

"Call Paul" @ (563) 508-1649, to reserve your own personal tour of this home NOW that it is available for purchase. Or, you can call me for information on how to purchase ANY other HUD acquired foreclosure property, or for a list of any other Bank-Owned foreclosure properties available in the Quad-City Area.

The following condo is NOW available for viewing and puchase:

4060 Priaire Lane, Bettendorf, Iowa 52722

2 Bedrooms on Main Floor . 2 Full Bath, 1 3/4 Bath.

1,704 Square Feet on the Main and Upper Levels.

1,000 Square Feet of Finished Basement

2 Car Attached Garage

List Price: $180,000

Sold Strictly in "As-Is, Where-Is" Conditon. Seller will make no repairs or concessions.

List Date: Friday November 20 , 2009.

Bidding Deadline: Sunday November 29, 2009 @ 11:59 PM

Investor (With Owner Occupant Preference) Bidding Begins: Monday November 30, 2009.

Scott County, Iowa Assessor Information: http://www.scott.ia.promap.com/pmc/appraisal_report2.asp?pid=841529897

Scott County, Iowa Treasurer Information: http://www.scott.ia.promap.com/pmc/summary_report.asp?pid=841529897

Please feel free to give me a call @ (563) 508-1649 for answers to any/all of your Real Estate Questions!!

"Call Paul" @ (563) 508-1649, For Information on how to $ave Big with Iowa Finance Authority!

Paul David Hiebing, REALTOR

"The Quad-Cities Premier First-Time Homebuyer's Specialist"

Licensed in the State of Iowa Since 2000. Licensed in the State of Illinois Since 2001.

Grampp Realty/GMAC Real Estate
2500 18th Street
Bettendorf, Iowa 52722
Website: http://www.gmacrealestate.com/paulhiebing/
Office Phone:(563) 359-4401 Ext # 264
Cell Phone: (563) 508-1649
Office Fax: (563) 359-4405