Welcome to the second post in a series of 7 posts covering the more important issues about buying a home in Northern Nevada.
In the first post, we covered the topics "Why Should I Own A Home?" and "Why Should I Use a REALTOR®?".
Whether you've owned a Northern Nevada home before, or you are a first time Northern Nevada home buyer, having a Buyer's Guide can be a very helpful tool before, during, and even after the homebuying process.
Since most people don't buy and sell homes every month, let alone every year, we have put together a fantastic 36-page "Just For Buyers" Guide courtesy of GreatNevadaHomes.com.
In this post, we'll be covering "Real Estate Commissions Explained" and "Steps to Prepare for Home Ownership".
Real Estate Commissions Explained
Northern Nevada real estate agents are paid on a commission basis. Most often, the listing agent and the buyer’s agent are paid a commission by the Seller based on the selling price of the home. The amount of the commission varies depending on what the seller offers.
Every Northern Nevada real estate agent sets his or her own commission fees. In fact, it is illegal to discuss what rates are “typical” in the market or for agents to discuss commissions rates amongst themselves. The industry considers this “market collusion” and an agent can lose their license if they are caught discussing commission rates.
Sometimes, the public has a perception that Northern Nevada real estate agents make a lot of money for not very much effort. What they public doesn’t realize is that real estate agents are not employees – they are independent contractors. While each agent may be affiliated with a broker – like RE/MAX or some other firm – the agent is in business for themselves. They have expenses to cover that are quite expensive, such as annual dues to the national and local real estate boards, license renewal fees every two years – for each state they are licensed in, quarterly fees to access the MLS (multiple listing service), quarterly expenses to have a lock box key, errors & omissions insurance (to protect the agent and clients from mistakes), and continuing education classes to continue to hold licenses. This typically costs several thousand dollars per year. This does not even include the marketing expenses associated with selling a listing, or the amount of time and expense to show a buyer properties. Plus – agents must share each commission earned with their broker – with the percentage of that commission split varying depending on the agreement the agent has with the broker.
The good news is, as a buyer, the cost for you to have an Northern Nevada agent representing your best interests is virtually free to you. Since the seller pays the buyer’s agent a commission for finding the buyer, you get great expertise for free! What a deal!
7 Steps To Prepare For Home Ownership
In the third post in this series, we'll discuss your New Northern Nevada Home Wish List and Tips for Finding the Perfect Northern Nevada Neighborhood. If you'd like a FREE copy of our complete 36 page Northern Nevada "Just for Buyers Guide" just let us know. We're happy to provide you with one to assist you on your road to home ownership.
Posted By: Christianne Gordon - Northern Nevada Real Estate Agent - Realtor
with RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, specializing in Carson Valley Real Estate and Northern Nevada Real Estate.
Outdoor activities in Lake Tahoe and the Carson Valley are limitless. From the shores of South Lake Tahoe to the summit of Job’s Peak, this area is jam-packed with outdoor recreational opportunities. Two words that apply to many of the outdoor activities available in the area are “World Class.” From kayaking the mighty Truckee and Carson Rivers to backpacking in the High Sierras, outdoor enthusiasts will find this wonderland challenging, enjoyable, and rejuvenating. The four distinct seasons coupled with the unique geography provide year-round outdoor activities.
Road cyclists will enjoy the challenge and personal accomplishment of riding the high mountain passes. Alpine County is home of the Tour of the California Alps (aka The Death Ride), one of the most challenging one-day bicycle rides in the country. Mountain biking in the Carson Valley offers some of the most challenging and scenic trails in the USA—check out the Flume Trail that overlooks Lake Tahoe.
There are many hiking opportunities in the area. Some of the best day hikes include:
Lake Tahoe is perhaps best known for its fantastic skiing and snowboarding options and resorts. But, Tahoe is also the perfect place to enjoy water sports. Power boating, sailing, and fishing are just a few of the options you can enjoy. Fly-fishing and kayaking are other popular outdoor activities in Lake Tahoe.
Visit the Douglas County Department of Parks and Recreation and discover a myriad of local indoor and outdoor activities for adults, teens, and youth.
Posted By: Christianne Gordon - Northern Nevada Real Estate Agent - Realtor
with RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, specializing in Carson Valley Real Estate and Northern Nevada Real Estate.
Whether you've owned a Northern Nevada home before, or you are a first time Northern Nevada home buyer, having a Buyer's Guide can be a very helpful tool before, during, and even after the homebuying process.
Since most people don't buy and sell homes every month, let alone every year, we have put together a fantastic 36-page "Just For Buyers" Guide courtesy of GreatNevadaHomes.com.
This post is the first in a series of 7 posts covering some of the more important components of buying a home in Northern Nevada.
Step One - Why Should I Own a Home?
Here are four simple reasons why it's a smart idea to own your own Northern Nevada home.
1. Tax Advantages - The U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, property taxes you pay, and some of the costs involved in buying your home.
2. Predictability - Unlike rent, your mortgage payments don’t go up over the years so your housing costs may actually decline as you own the home longer. However, keep in mind that property t axes and insurance costs will rise (and this also depends on the type of mortgage loan you obtain).
3. Freedom - The home is yours. You can make design changes to update it or decorate it any way you want and be able to benefit from your investment for as long as you own the home.
4. Stability - Remaining in one Northern Nevada neighborhood for several years gives you a chance to participate in community activities, lets you and your family establish lasting friendships, and offers your children the opportunity to create long-term friendships that often can last well into adulthood.
Step 2 - Why Should I Use a REALTOR®?
1. A Northern Nevada real estate transaction is complicated. Buying or selling a Northern Nevada home requires disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds, and multi-page government mandated settlement statements. A knowledgeable guide through this complexity can help you avoid delays or costly mistakes.
2. Northern Nevada Real estate has its own language. If you don’t know a CMA from a PUD, you can understand why it’s so important to work with someone who speaks that language. When you find just the right Northern Nevada house, you want to be able to get the contract written and move forward right away - If you have to spend your time getting educated, you may miss out on that house of your dreams.
3. Northern Nevada REALTORS® have done this before. Most people buy and sell only a few homes in a lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between each purchase. And even if you’ve done it before, laws and regulations change. That’s why having an expert on your side is critical.
In the second post in this series, we'll discuss "Real Estate Commissions Explained" and "7 Steps to Prepare for Home Ownership". If you'd like a FREE copy of our complete 36 page Northern Nevada "Just for Buyers Guide" just let us know. We're happy to provide you with one to assist you on your road to home ownership.
Posted By: Christianne Gordon - Northern Nevada Real Estate Agent - Realtor
with RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, specializing in Carson Valley Real Estate and Northern Nevada Real Estate.
Getting Clients to Relax Like A Child Without A Care In The World
Some clients find buying or selling a home is a very stressful time. I work very hard for my clients and try to answer their questions, accomplish the task they've given me, and help them to be as worry-free as possible. Some have a harder time relaxing than others, but this state of bliss my 3 year old graced me with today inspired this blog. Zachary doesn't slow down much, but when he does, it's a real treat. I want buying or selling homes to be a real treat for my clients, too. I want them to sit back, enjoy the experience, and know I'm working for their best interest the entire time...so maybe they can enjoy a Sunday afternoon nap, too!
Photo by Christianne Gordon of RE/MAX Realty Affiliates. Proudly serving Northern Nevada including Reno, Sparks, Spanish Springs, South Meadows, Galena, Washoe Valley, Carson City, Dayton, Stagecoach, Minden, Gardnerville, Genoa, and Smith Valley. Call me for your Northern Nevada real estate needs at (775) 881-8223.
Posted By: Christianne Gordon - Northern Nevada Real Estate Agent - Realtor with RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, specializing in Carson Valley Real Estate and Northern Nevada Real Estate.
Winter 2008-2009 in the Carson Valley Nevada
Photo of the Carson Valley and Sierra Nevada Mountains featuring Job's Peak, Winter 2008-2009. Photo by Christianne Gordon of RE/MAX Realty Affiliates. Proudly serving Northern Nevada including Reno, Sparks, Carson City, Dayton, Stagecoach, Minden, Gardnerville, Genoa, and Smith Valley. Call me for your Northern Nevada real estate needs at (775) 881-8223.
Posted By: Christianne Gordon - Northern Nevada Real Estate Agent - Realtor with RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, specializing in Carson Valley Real Estate and Northern Nevada Real Estate.
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Northern Nevada agent serving Gardnerville, Minden, Genoa, Carson City, Dayton, Reno, Sparks. Residential, investment, land & commercial. Seard the MLS FREE at NevadaHomes.ListingBook.com!
Welcome to my profile - the Gateway to the Carson Valley - where you will learn all about picturesque Nevada and about the fantastic Carson Valley Real Estate available including homes, ranches, land, investment and commercial real estate and an entire Northern Nevada real estate search that is updated daily.
Originally licensed in Nevada in 1999, I serve the Carson Valley and outlying areas, including Reno, Sparks, Carson City, Washoe Valley, Dayton, Fernley, Smith Valley, Gardnerville, Minden and Genoa.For the first 4 years of my real estate career, I focused exclusively on commercial and investment real estate, including retail, mixed use, industrial, office and medical space.
Working together with my father, Stephen Orear, who was originally licensed in California as a Realtor in 1968, we have a referral network of trusted professionals to assist us in the successful completion of each real estate transaction, including mortgage lenders, home inspectors, title companies, appraisers and insurance companies. I prefer to use these trusted vendors because they have proven their skills and experience by being successful in a down market, not just the hot market of yesteryear. Just as a client would value customer service, integrity, honesty, and fair detailing, I expect the same from those professionals I refer to. What this means for you is by working with me, you will have a very experienced, reliable team working for you every step of the way. Experience cannot be valued any more than when you are buying or selling the most valuable asset you are likely to own in your lifetime.
The Carson Valley is just 15 minutes south of the Capital of Nevada, Carson City, and is known as the "Hidden Jewel" of Nevada. Beautiful parks, restaurants, casinos, golf courses, world-class snowskiing, hiking, biking, fishing, and are just a few of the phenomenal things you can find and do here. Minden is one of the main towns in the Carson Valley. Minden has several separate and distinct neighborhoods, and two very-well known companies have chosen to call Minden, Nevada home. Starbuck's has their newest coffee roasting plant located here, which is over 500,000 square feet in size. GE Bently also has it's forward-thinking Agrowdynamics business here, which works relentlessly to create solutions for alternative fuel sources for the world.
Our Real Estate Philosophy - With every client, we listen carefully to determine needs and goals, and put together a personalized plan to accomplish them. Whether it’s a detailed marketing plan to sell your current home, or a tailored plan to find and purchase your new home, you can count on us to use our skills and experience to achieve them. With over $85 million sold in the last 10 years alone, we strive to be the most knowledgeable agents in the marketplace, to be the most ethical and honest, and to provide a level of service unmatched in the industry.
We pride ourselves on providing full service assistance to buyers and sellers, including referrals to reputable lenders, home inspectors, title companies and many other reliable professionals to meet your specific needs.
This is why we say once you work with us, you’ll consider us “your REALTORS® for life”.
Dear Steve and Christianne,
We enjoyed working with you on our recent house purchase. You answered all of our questions in a very timely way and you were always available to show us the house and get us any information we needed. You also made this sale go very smooth and fast by personally delivering all the documents that needed to be signed.
We were also impressed by the very professional but yet very friendly and personal way that you treated both parties involved. We hope we can have the opportunity to work together again.
- Russell Scossa
Dear Steve and Christianne,
Lane and I would like to thank you for a most professional handling of our real estate situation in Gardnerville. Starting with the great communication up front by explaining what we could expect in a very difficult market. In looking at my notes from our first meeting it actually turned out exactly as you said. The length of time you predicted to complete a sale in this market was correct, the amount of the sale was within a few percentage points. Most importantly to us were the following:
1.) Christianne’s expert job of staging the home.
2.) Stephen’s & Christianne’s knowledge of the market.
3.) Continual updates on where we were.
4.) The above and beyond the call of duty displayed by you. Helping get things out of the house, constantly making yourself available for those to whom we donated furniture to.
5.) The most up to date marketing tools, from the “Talking House”, to internet, to mailing people in the area to let them know it was available.
6.) Going the extra mile to work around our schedule which is always unpredictable in our business in the fall.
7.) Actually driving all the way up to Tahoe to get papers signed (when gas prices were at their highest), and even delivering things that we may have forgotten.
8.) Your understanding of my emotional frame of mind since it was my mother’s house, and your sensitivity in handling things so I did not have to spend much time there.
9.) Your continual “What else can we do?” attitude” toward the project.
10.) Your rallying of the real estate community to show the home.
11.) The most important thing may have been their Positive Energy and Enthusiasm. Stephen told us “We can sell this house”.
Lane recently said she wished you can handle our holdings in Calif. and Arizona, and of course I concur! Thank you again for your care, your professionalism, and your belief and commitment to excellence.
- John and Lane Emerick
Hi Steve and Christianne,
This is a pleasure to respond to your request. We have been trying to formulate a “Thank You” to include all the accolades you have earned. We have been residents of the Carson Valley since 1981, and as such have used different Realtors for both residential and business. By far you have been the hardest working Realtors we’ve known. We were impressed with the exposure you gave our property using far reaching advertising, and at your own expense. We also really appreciated how accessible and personal, yet professional you both are, we could always reach you by phone, with every worry or question. (A rare luxury in this day.) Your knowledge of real estate and your keen eye for detail have served us well. In each transaction you kept our best interests in first place, which saved us needless expense down the road. We recommend you to everyone without reserve. Thank you again for your friendship, and work ethic.
With Appreciation and Love - Bob and Linda Blackford
Dear Steve and Christianne,
Thank you both very much! You both are very understanding and respectful of our time. Thank you both for respecting our time as we both tried to respect yours! I am sure we will be doing future deals together. Thanks for the excellent gift. We really appreciate it. Again, thanks and may you all be healthy, wealthy and wise.
Thanks - Carlos and Ondy Valladares
Steve,
We just wanted to send a note of thanks for the top notch service you provided us during the search for and eventual purchase of our home in Minden. Living over 600 miles away and communicating mostly by email, you made our search easy because you were always willing to tour and photograph the properties we were interested in, thereby saving many hours of needless on-site visits for us. As a result, when we did visit Minden and meet with you, we had a much clearer picture of what we were looking for, and we have you to thank for helping us find the perfect property. Your continued help through the purchase process and your dedication to us as clients made us truly appreciate your level of expertise and professionalism in your field. We are very pleased to have a new home in Minden, but even more pleased to have you, Steve, as our friend.
- Lillian Rosen & Randy Nickson
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