SHOOT STRAIGHT AND ASK QUESTIONS LATER!
Be motivated by what is right and not what you are going to get compensated for when representing a buyer! Sure, we have to make a living but I'd rather cancel a contract or show a home that my client really loves and not get paid, then live with weight of putting my needs in front of my clients who's buying a home in Northern Virginia. Also, do not tell someone wanting to sell their home in the Northern Virginia Real Estate Market what they want to hear just so you can get a listing. It's better to walk-away then to try and sell something you can't sell at the price you told them it would!
BE FULL OF IT!
The Northern Virginia Real Estate Market is complex and those looking into buying a home or selling a home, need your full-time attention as a FULL-TIME REALTOR! Besides, who wants someone's part-time attention?
BE ALL YOU CAN BE!
Make sure your effort to stay busy and feed the pipeline stays consistent year-round. In the Spring and late Summer, you might be putting in 50+ hour work weeks showing and listing homes for sale in Northern Virginia, but in the late Fall and Winter, you might be working less. Although buyers and sellers habits can be cyclical, our income cannot be. It's important to keep doing the things that make your business flourish. Go into the office, blog, sign up for a designation-be all that you can be!
GET BUSY!
If you have a good base of 50+ former clients and have done a good job to please and stay in front of them throughout your career as a Realtor in Northern Virginia, you can be sure they will send you at least 10 or more referrals in one year's time. It's easy to rely on your base but you will still need to do the little things like PROSPECT for new listings (For Sale By Owners in NOVA, Expired Listings, Open Houses In Northern Virginia Etc.) FIND TIME TO DO THIS EVEN WHEN YOU ARE SHOWING 30-50 HOMES A WEEK!
ANSWER YOUR PHONE YOU BIG DUMMY!
I think this is pretty self-explanatory. Its 2011, so if you can't return calls, text or email within the first 30-45 minutes, your chances of getting a buyer or seller to use you as their Realtor in Northern Virginia is greatly reduced. After all, there are hundreds of other smiling, happy Realtors out there that adhere to this golden rule of Real Estate.
IT'S ABOUT TIME!!!!!!
Being late all the time for appointments or settlements just looks bad. It can be hard to gauge traffic or how long showings will take but you have to be ON TIME!
TO LEAD MUST FOLLOW!
Although I already have a pretty good client base and good business from Referrals, I built that structure by having to convert cold leads to buyers and/or sellers. To do that, I would follow-up with those leads at least 5-7 times until they told me they were no longer looking to sell a home in Northern Virginia or buy a home in NOVA. There is a fine line of being annoying, so be mindful. Don't be THAT GAL or Guy!
PASS THE MIC!
This is a skill one should always work on and is probably most crucial to the success as A Realtor in Northern Virginia. It's important to "pass the microphone" and HEAR what your buyer or seller wants or needs!
For the most part, anyone can get a Real Estate license but not just anyone can succeed. The list of how to succeed goes well beyond good habits of say, getting your butt out of bed, working past 5pm, working on weekends or your ability to prospect but it also entails your own character and where your motivation lies. If you mix good work ethic with the belief that putting others needs before your self's will bare good fruit for all, then you most likely have what it takes to be a great Realtor. Good luck selling!
Buying a home in Northern Virginia just got a lot easier! This step-by-step guide is designed to keep you informed and not surprised as to how the home buying process works. Knowledge is power!
Find a Realtor®
Buying a home in Northern Virginia can be made a lot easier when you hire someone to protect your interest. Make sure the Realtor is a full-time agent and has the experience and education to represent you best.
Get approved
Before you go looking for a home for sale in Northern Virginia area, it's best to consult with a Realtor and then speak with a lender to determine what type of loan will best suit your needs. How are you paying for the property?
Should you not already have someone in mind to help you with your financing, ask me and I can provide you with a list of lenders to choose from. Realtors and lenders survive on relationships and making sure YOU, the clients, are well taken care of! My recommendation is to let the banks compete for your business, so call a few! NOTE: Be prepared to have a printed copy of a Pre-Approval Letter from the Lender stating what amount you're pre-approved for.
Find a home
I serve ALL of Northern Virginia and I have many tools to help you stay informed and on top of all homes that are new to the market. Upon our interview, we will discuss things about your new property that is of utmost importance:
Once a criteria is determined, I will then set-up a Customized Search with your parameters into the Northern Virginia MLS. Any time a home that is listed comes on the market or is reduced, a notification is sent to you via email. If you like what you see, you can shoot me an email, text or phone call, and I will arrange for us to go see the property. I AM A FULL-TIME REALTOR AND MY HOURS ARE: 10am-11pm, 7 days a week!
BE DECISIVE
As the Northern Virginia Real Estate Market climbs back to sanity, the lack of inventory means that the days on market in NOVA is going to shorten and homes will go quickly. If you see something you like, be prepared to make an offer and to compete with multiple offers. With years of experience of negotiations, I will advise you as to how to have the best chance for winning should there be more than one offer on the table. NOTE: Be prepared to have Earnest Money when making an offer. Typically Earnest Money is 1% of the Offering Price and will be made out to the selling Real Estate Company's Escrow Account until settlement.
UNDER CONTRACT
Once we "haggle" back and forth and have agreed upon terms and a price, we are then under contract. At this point, we will send the Contract to your Lender and proceed to the other parts or contingencies of the contract, like inspections. NOTE: Typically your lender will start asking you for more information to verify your finances and employment, MAKE SURE YOUR EYES ARE CROSSED AND YOUR T's ARE DOTTED!
Home Inspection
One of the biggest "contingencies" is a home inspection. I always recommend getting a home inspection. Keep in mind that this is a home and that things do go wrong. Most of the time, if there are repairs needed then the price reflects the work needed. (Example: House 1 is listed at $300,000 and House 2 is basically the same, except that it needs a new roof and is listed at $285,000) Our goal is to make sure that there is nothing seriously wrong that our eyes can't see. We can always ask the seller to make repairs!
Repair Agreement Negotiations
After we receive a copy of the home inspection report, we will then devise a strategy and prioritize what repairs we would like the sellers to fix, if any. Once we agree on repairs, we release this contingency and proceed with the Contract.
Home Owners Insurance
By now, you should start working on getting insurance for your home. Should you need a referral then just ask!
Hurry Up and Wait!
After we have made it past the home inspection, this part of the process can be 10-15 days (or more depending on your loan type) and you will feel like you should be doing something. This is natural! Rest assured that we are working on getting things to a close and the best you can do is try to keep smiling!
Appraisal
Another big contingency is the banks appraisal. The Northern Virginia Real Estate Market is returning to normal and the banks want to make sure the property they are going to be lending on has accurate value. As long as the house appraises at (or above) purchase price, then we can proceed. If not, then we would renegotiate the difference. NOTE: Once we have a set closing date, I recommend working on getting the utilities changed over into your name. I have a pretty concise list here for Northern Virginia Real Estate (http://www.novanida.com/utilities.html)
Final Walk-Through
Because nothing is final in real estate until you get keys in your hand, I like to do a final walk through on the property to make sure all is intact as it was when you made the offer. I like to do this about 1-hour before closing. 99.9 % of the time all is well but it's best to cover all bases and be thorough!
SETTLE DOWN
Settlement will typically take about 1 hour. It's important to remember to bring your ID to closing (drivers license or passport will be suffice). Also, if you will be bringing money to settlement, it must be in a form of certified funds. NOTE: The Title Company used must be selected at the time of ratifying the Contract. I can refer you to an attorney or you can choose whomever you like. Once a contract is ratified, I or the Lender will send the Contract to the Title Company of your choice
HOME SWEET HOME!
The process of buying a home in Northern Virginia can certainly be an emotional rollercoaster. To be honest, the scenario above is a "walk in the park" compared to some of the homes I have helped others sell or purchase. However, it's my job as your Realtor to try and minimize all things that are we within my control that can go wrong and try and ensure that you get into a home and are happy.
Should you be looking for a Realtor in South Charleston WV,South Hills, Hurricane WV or Huntington WV area's, then look no further! Charleston Real Estate or Huntington Real Estate!
A former educator with a degree in Middle School instruction, I taught for several years before going full steam into Real Estate. Since then, I have helped hundreds of buyers and sellers in the Charleston Real Estate and Huntington Real Estate Market reach their ultimate goal-leaving the settlement table happy!
I am, and will continue to be successful, for I remember how to be a personable person and to give straight answers. I can honestly say that my style as a Realtor in South Charleston or Huntington area is slightly unorthodox in comparison to others. My goal is not to make money, my goal is to help people. Just as in education, I was not in it for the money, I was in it to help. Just as I got joy from helping a child figure something out, I find joy in helping someone buy or sell a home. To me, this is a new turning point in one's life and I'm glad I can be here to make that turn as easy and as enjoyable as possible. I am a firm believer that "what goes around comes around". Putting ones needs in the forefront will come back to me in the end and we will all reap the benefits of good business.
Isaac Newton says, "If I have seen farther than others, it is because I was standing on the shoulder of giants.
I specialize in people. I feel that specializing in only one aspect of the Real Estate market will eventually make one less ripe and less informed of other transactions that go on in Real Estate. Therefore, having a broad vision of the whole field, instead of one certain chunk, makes me more keen to keeping you informed and happy. Whether it's Short Sales, Foreclosures or you're Relocating to the area - I am a jack of all trades!
"As long as you're green, you're growing. As soon as you're ripe, you start to rot"
Real Estate evolves constantly so I stay on the forefront to keep myself informed. Here's how:
HGTV
My skills and expertise of homes helped me earn 2 episodes as the featured Realtor on HGTV'S "My house is worth what".
WHAT A COMPLIMENT!
Random things About Me (In no particular order)
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Bret was great! We expected our house to be on the market for awhile but 3 months was much quicker than we anticipated (even though it left us homeless!) Great job!
~Jeff and Kerry Blake
In trying to buy a home from long distance, Bret went above and beyond his duty as my Realtor. His professionalism, knowledge and attentiveness were absolutely superb! What could have been a nightmare experience, turned out to be a wonderfully smooth transition. Thanks for all your help - it was truly appreciated! A++
~Amy McNally
In this difficult sales market, I believe every effort was made to sell our home successfully. We truly appreciate the expenditure of time , energy and resources Bret and his encouragement and persistence extended in this successful outcome.
~Ben and Mary Brubeck
I could not have asked for more support in my home search. I have already recommended Bret to a few people thinking about buying a new home.
~Denise Johnson
We have and will recommend Bret Nida to anyone looking to buy or sell any Real Estate. We feel Bret did an exceptional job selling our property even that it was was at the low end of the Real Estate market.
~ Jason and Patty Cleve
Bret was personable and energetic. In the end he got the job done! Thank you Bret!
~ Peggy Thompson
I could not have asked for more support in my home search. I have already recommended Bret to a few people thinking about buying a new home.
~Denise Johnson
Bret Nida did a great job as my realtor. He was very quick to respond to any questions and concerns I had. He made sure I was comfortable with all the steps in the process and worked hard to resolve any problems that arose. I have already referred two people to him.
~Lisa Walker
Bret treated my wife and myself like we had been friends for years. What a Realtor!
I think if you're looking to buy a house today and you want to be pampered, Bret Nida!
What a great fella to work with! !
~N. Lanham
Bret was very helpful and patient with us during our search for our 1st home. He was always upbeat, accommodating to our work schedules, and answered any and all questions of our questions and guided us through the process. I would recommend Bret to anyone looking to buy a new home!
~Mike and Rebecca Alley. ~
Bret, Thanks for proving me wrong! I told the kids the Milton property would be the toughest to sell. With proper marketing, you moved it fast! Thank you for your hard work. You are the best!
~Cynthia Asbury ~
Bret is a great asset to your company. I have already given his name to several new Doctors moving to the area that are joining us at physicians and surgeons!
~Susan DeSpain ~
Before working with Bret, I had been working with an another agent for several months to no avail. I actually had come to believe that all aspects of the real estate search were supposed to be frustrating and that I was supposed to do the majority of the work, but the I contacted Bret. Within hours, he had several properties of interest. Bret provided us with all the pertinent information so that we could make an informed decision about the property and it's fair market value. I have full confidence in his integrity and commitment towards helping the buyer make the right purchase, not any purchase. He was more than willing to examine the property, often inspecting crawl spaces and attics to ensure that we had a clear picture of the property. He was always in contact, listened to our needs, and worked,worked,worked!
~Mary Welch-~
Bret was extremely helpful + knowledgeable. When we had questions he gave us answers and never misrepresented himself or the property. Overall, a great agent and I would definitely recommend him and his company!
~Travis Beaman ~
"If I had this experience to do over again I would certainly Bret. Bret was professional and friendly; very helpful and informative. I feel that he went the extra mile not only to explain my real estate transaction to me- but also to sell my house and find me a new one, which I love! Thanks for your help and hard work it has not gone unnoticed.
~Shelby Asbury ~
"Bret Nida is an OUTSTANDING Real Estate Agent. He helped with many aspects of the purchase that made it an exceptional experience"
~Dr. Mark Stecker~
Bret has an amazing energy and did an exceptional job at finding us a home. We have been so impressed with his knowledge of real estate and really grew to trust his expertise. Bret made house shopping fun and I will recommend him to any and everyone.
~K. Landers ~
"Bret went well beyond my expectations in helping me find that "Perfect" home. I will use him again if I ever move and will recommend him to anyone I know that is looking to buy or sell. He worked very hard and was always available and quick to schedule a showing around my hectic schedule. I LOVE MY NEW HOUSE, THANK YOU!"
~L. Zickefoose ~
I came to Bret with the goal of selling my house as quickly as possible during a tough housing market. Thanks to Bret's suggestions on the asking price and on some minor house renovations, I was able to close on my house in less than 2 months. In fact, my house was viewed so many times within the first 2 months my neighbors were asking "Who is your Realtor?"
~Joseph Holloway ~
Bret is a very aggressive Realtor. He always kept us well informed of everything pertaining to the sale of our property. We were not looking forward to the hassle of listing our property, but Bret took care of everything and it actually wasn't so bad. We really don't have any suggestions. We were very pleased with the outcome thanks to Bret
~Larry and Pam Estep ~
When showing this property to us, Bret allowed us to take our time an not rush through. He answered our questions to the best of his knowledge. We felt very comfortable from the first time we met Bret. Had we not been able to sell our house in Barboursville, we would not have been able to buy this one. Bret is the one who made it possible
~Larry and Pam Estep ~
I have already given friends Bret's business cards. i have really enjoyed the effort and sucess Bret makes to sell your home quickly
~David and Angela ~
If it wasn't for Bret, we wouldn't have sold our home. We are much happier! This experience is stressful but Bret Nida made it simple and gave us all the information to make smart decisions. I would recommend him to all family and friends!
~Jeremy and Meghan Beasley ~
Very helpful! Saved me a lot of time by suggesting a banker and insurance broker. Thanks so much!
~Jared Hodge ~
Agents overall attitude and energy 10
Agents Professionalism 10
Agents knowledge and pertinent real estate issues 10
Overall Satisfaction of Great American Realty's representation 10
Would you recommend your agent and Great American Realty? Yes
~Mick and Tammy Osburn ~
Bret,
Thank you for everything you did for me and Verlin. I'm so glad that Kari hooked us up with you. You went above and beyond to help us get the house. We really do appreciate everything you did. Also, thank you very much for the Life Book!
~Verlin and Bonnie Hughes~
Bret put forth a lot of effort in the selling of my house. I felt he gave me good advice in helping me make decisions on the selling of the property. Bret is very knowledgeable and a real go getter when selling
~Denise Hammack ~
~ Denise Hammack
Bret is truly one of the most knowledgeable and professional individuals that I know. His experience as a real estate agent in general and my loan program in particular, made the negotiation and closing process much smoother than it would have been. Bret exceeded my expectations and I'm confident that I will use his services in the future. I felt Bret had my interest at heart and that is exactly why I will not use any other agent! Bret is one in a million!
~Dewayne Mcneil~
Bret is great! Awesome energy and displayed great dedication in selling my home. I was in a position of relocating across country, while remotely working with Bret. He took care of many things(lawn service,arranging for a plumber) that made my experience less stressful. Kudos to Bret!
~ Christi Springer
The houses Bret Nida suggested were everything I needed which made the decision to pick one difficult. He truly put forth the type of enthusiasm and hard work that makes for a happy customer. His commitment to finding me the perfect house showed that he is a genuine person.
~ Mike Bowe
Bret was a great Realtor! Without him we would have never found a house!
~ Shaun and Amber Mossman
Bret did an extraordinary job with me and made my first-time homebuying experience a cinch! I have and will continue to refer people to BRET NIDA! If they don't take my advice, it's their loss!
~ Brandy Hale
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