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Cherie L. Gottshall Realtor

First time home buyer?

I enjoy helping first time buyers who call, ask questions, schedule a showing and writing up their first offer.

Here lies the problem.

Most first time buyers look on the internet or they happen to be driving by a property and they say to themselves "I want to see this, I am going to call so and so on the sign or the listing sheet".

This is fine.

I have people who call my listings as well. But I explain upfront that I represent the seller first. I can help them purchase the property, but we have dual agency and I explain what it entails. I also ask if they are working with an agent, because just because my sign is out front does not mean I am the only one who can show it. I let them know to call their agent and have them schedule a showing on their behalf.

I want all those first time buyers out there know you do not have to contact 7 different agents to see 7 different properties. Anymore, it is like the Walmart of Real Estate. You find one great agent you love to work with and they can handle any showing or transaction for you with your home purchase. Please do not contact 7 and set up appointments. We all are busy and the only agent who will actually get paid is the one you purchase with.

Keep in mind when you cancel and tell the agent who would be your buyer agent that you do not wish to see the house with them you are seeing it with so and so on the sign out front, you are not doing yourself or your purchase any favors. You have just shot yourself in the foot by canceling with a buyers agent(who would represent you) and going with a selling agent(who represents the seller).

You might think to yourself as a first time buyer that you are going to go right to the listing agent and get better service. They will respond quickly ( Sure they get paid the whole commission if you buy), but have they disclosed to you that they represent the seller? They cannot be your buyer agent!!!!!!! What if you want to negotiate a low price? What if you can go higher but do not want them to know that. What if the inspections come out with costly repairs that you might be willing to do, but would rather the seller pay for them? The thing is, their agent will know your bottom line. The selling agent will already know where you stand and how low you will go. That agents first duty is to their seller, not to you the buyer. Is that what you want?

So please, if you think you are doing yourself a greater service by calling that listing agent. Think again!!!

When you are ready to buy, find one agent to work with you as your "Buyer Agent" and they will walk you through that home buying process step by step with only you to represent in the transaction.

Looking in PA for Something to do for Valentines Day?

I found this great deal at Spring Mountain Adventures

Bring your special someone to Spring Mountain!
Monday is Valentines Day! Lift tickets will be $30.00 per couple and Lifts and Rentals will be $50.00 per couple!
This offer is valid for couples only from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm. If you need a lesson, that's just $20.00 per couple more!

Make the day even more special and purchase a heart shaped pizza and two sodas for $12.95! (eat in only)

February 14, 2011 - Spring Mountain!
757 Spring Mount Road
Spring Mount · PA ·, Pennsylvania 19478

Do I look like a furniture salesman?

In the few years I have been a Realtor, I have been in shock of what people consider a deal breaker.

I have had more than one sale almost fall through because of issues with remaining furniture, not the house!

"They(sellers) agreed to leave that and they took it. I am not buying this house."

okay...........

What are you really buying here. You going to pay how many thousands of dollars just because you wanted that bedroom set? Be real!!

The best was when I got a call from the buyer agent in a panic because realitives of the buyer happen to be down the street of house they were to purchase in a few days and saw a truck and someone carrying furniture. "They were promised all the contents and now they are taking all this furniture out. We want to renegotiate or we won't go to closing." Found out that the dining table that was being left had 2 more chairs that went with it and sellers were adding the furniture to the set. They were carrying furniture "IN" not out.

The contracts I write now do not include furniture. I tell my buyers to bring cash or checkbook at closing if they want to purchase anything directly from seller or to head down to the local furniture store.

I sell houses "NOT" furniture.