I work with plenty of buyers in today's market and typically my first time home buyers really do get the market and the pricing.
The most challenging thing is working with buyers who have already purchased homes or own homes and just don't get it...their pricing expectations and what they can afford are not in line...even if you are a cash buyer. There are some buyers that get it, and some that don't.
Certain buyer's have certain needs...and those needs exceed the pricing...ie...the need is a priority over the pricing. How many ways can I put this until they get it...exausting at best but eventually we always meet on the same page.
Today I had a Realtor get mad at me as I had just turned into a neighborhood where he had a listing and my buyers were like...ick...lets not event bother...I love a hysterical listing agent that gives me a 10 minute reteric on how the house shows and blah blah and then you get there and it really sucks wind. And then they have the nerve to get ticked because your buyer's did not want to see their crappy listing. Oh hysterical is an understatement.
I am venting today...buyers that don't appreciate what we do, renters that give you excuses...oh yes, real esae is sooo easy lol. I love it though and the challenges that come with it.
Share your thoughts!
I have had a fabulous week with going "GREEN" and meeting such fabulous people and fabulous companies and organizations. I have officially received the GREEN designation from the National Association of Realtors and am just thrilled.
The Green Energy Council had their inaugeral luncheon last week at the Colony Hotel in Palm Beach. Ralph Avallone CEO was just a riveting speaker and a wealth of information. I highly recommend you look into this organization and the companies that are part of it.
I also went by The South Florida Green, Energy & Climate Conference/Expo which is a one-of-a-kind program designed to focus on education and networking that will advance you and your business in today's new green economy. I had a great time chatting and networking with the companies at the expo. So many innovative and good ideas for energy efficiency, construction ideas, designs and solar.
Another exciting piece of the energy efficiency pie is the energy efficiency tax credit for commercial properties...many owners, architects, builders and developers have the opportunity to capture up to $1.80 per square foot...more on that in my next blog.
In the meantime, please joing my social networking site if you are into being green and energy efficient at www.thegreenrealestatereport.com
Michele Bee
I know the market is in a interesting place, but I am just about over the horrid title company choices these lenders and such are choosing. Not only is the customer service minimal at best, the title company fees have seemed to have skyrocketed. Looking at different Hud statements the pricing for title work is all over the board. Not only that, but the listing agents are abiding by the REO lender that the buyer must go with their title company. Hmmm...smells like a Respa issue to me.
This presents a problem...to get the seller to pay for the closing costs of the buyer it is almost impossible to switch to a title company that we as Realtors use frequently and thus have some control over what is going on which includes communication, affordable fees regardless of who is paying the buyers title and just plain old abiding by the dates and what is in the contract.
Frankly, I don't care how many closings a title company is doing...each closing should be individual and unique to the buyer. The closing staff should have their ducks in a row, which most do not.
Lets all remind the listing agents that they should be grateful that they have a buyer and should be most accomodating to that. And, just because the market blows wind for title people and title attorneys doesn't mean that they can and should raise their fees. It is bad business.
PS...if you are a title attorney that transitioned and you are making tons of money hand over fist doing bankruptcy's and foreclosure defense or whatever it is your are doing...don't ask me to send you business when there are struggling smaller title companies that are good at what they do and have affordable fees in the same neighborhood. Go ahead...be mad and pout...lower your fees and we will do business. Also...if I have to cut my commission when doing a short sale and I have done the work and as much work as your firm to get the deal done you betch your behind I will expect you to kick in...my title companies do. And if you don't...and you know who you are...then I won't send closings to you.
So Happy Saturday to all...and would love to hear your horrid title closing experiences of late...I am sure there are a few.
Michele Bee
First, Last and Security-Top 10 Reasons To Buy Your First Home!
Don't Renew or Rent Until You You Attend This Workshop
| Host: | Michele Bellisari |
| Type: | Meetings - Informational Meeting |
| Network: | Global |
| Date: | Thursday, January 29, 2009 |
| Time: | 6:30pm - 7:30pm |
| Location: | Dixie and Camino across from The Jefferson |
| Street: | 747 S. Dixie Highway |
| City/Town: | Boca Raton, FL |
| View Map |
| Phone: | 5619264643 |
| Email: | michelebeeboca@aol.com |
Happy New Year...Why Are You Still Renting?
In today's market the one silver lining is the first time home buying opportunities that are available!! I have had a very busy 2008 with my first time home buyers as I am the top first time home buyer Realtor expert in Palm Beach County and the surrounding area. In the mean time, I have put together the list below so you can also assist in stimulating the real estate market across the country by sharing timely and correct information to your viewers. My strategies for finding properties for first time home buyers do not include short sales. By the way...did you know that 20% of the buyers are single women? Top 10 Reasons to Buy in Today's Market
1. I have included my video that goes out to my buyers and contacts that explains the buyer's market and the credit options for first time home buyers.
2. You do not have to have stellar credit or 20% down.
3. You do need at least 3.5% down and a 580-600 credit score and your debt ratio must work for the lenders.
4. FHA financing is the main type of home financing currently, and VA financing is available as well.
5. Friends and family can help you with the down payment.
6. Subsidies and grants are available for qualified individuals.
7. There is a $7500 tax credit available for first time home buyers.
8. Due to declining markets and home prices buyers can actually afford a single family home once again, especially here in Palm Beach County.
9. Average rental prices are between $1000-$1500 per month in Palm Beach County which if someone is paying that, they can find a condo, townhouse and in some cases single family homes. Benefit of buying vs renting...tax credits and tax write offs.
10. First, Last and Security is typically the average down payment going FHA or pretty darn close!
Bonus Reasons to Buy: The sellers are paying most or all of the buyers closing costs!!!
Energy Efficiency FHA and VA mortgages are available (and so are the tax credits!)
If you are interested in hearing more about how I am stimulating the real estate market one transaction at a time and successfully selling homes in a declining market, please contact me directly. I do webinars for Realtors and for first time home buyers.
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ABR, Certified Attainable Housing Specialist, Green designee
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