Darla Dennis

Lately, I have heard from many Seller's across the nation, that their Agent's have used REO's and Short Sales for comparables on their Fair Market Value home. When I do some researching in their market, I find that there are a plithera of Fair Market Homes that can be used for their comparables. So how do you help your client, when you don't know the Market?

Simple, Ask a local agent for a CMA on your client's property. If they give you a CMA package with REO and Short Sales, with no FMV properties, then they are probably not the agent for you.

Although all the markets are lavish with REO's and Short Sale properties, we don't want to forget about your Fair Market Value Seller's and Buyer's. I have clients who want to buy a Move in ready, FMV home. They don't want to fix up a home. We need to remember to market our Fair market property's equally as efficient as our REO's and Short Sales. It won't be long until we are back to selling only FMV homes.

Have a Joy-Filled Day!

Darla

Welcome to California!

Sandy Beaches, Beautiful sunny days, hiking trails, bike riding, and pedestrians walking, cell phones and texting: who pays attention to the Road and the rules of the Road?!

I was recently busy being a Realtor and was on my way to an appointment, when out of the Blue, a car rams me! She is still talking on her cell phone as she gets out of the car to explain to me she does not speak English. I ask for her Insurance and Registration. The car is not registered to her, I figure it is her Father's car. This phone talking, speed-racer who hit me did not even have a driver's license! Two weeks later, I find out the insured sold the car to the unlicensed driver's boyfriend and they have no insurance.

This is not a new senerio in the United States anymore! If you want to be protected, call your insurance agent to make sure you are covered if someone hits you. And ask your broker/owner to find out what his/her mimimum insurance requirements are for your liability. Your policy should have a rider on it stating that your Brokerage is insured as an additional insured party. Most Brokers will require you to have a specific amount insurance when you signed your Agent/Broker agreement. Check with your Broker to make sure you are up to date.

No matter what your job is , you may have insurance requirements. When times are hard, many people cut back on insurance, but it may cost you your job if you do not ask. This accident has cost me a two weeks of work, no vehicle, $2500.00 in repairs and $2000.00 in medical -because I didn't ask the right questions. I could have been covered for $20.00, but I didn't know.

Expensive lesson! But one I will not soon forget. Now, I know I am taken care of should another speed-racing, phone texting/talking driver hit me.

BE ALERT!! The world needs more LERTS! :) Keep your Eyes on the Road-It has become a battlefield here!

Technology at your fingertips! Did you know that as Realtors we have tools at our fingertips that can give you as a seller/buyer/investor the latest in market trends, Relocation's and investing nationwide? Realtors are continually being trained, educated and given awesome tools to help you, the consumer, understand what we are talking about. You are the reason we are in this business. A Realtor is a person who enjoys helping. Your Realtor is a phone call, e-mail, website, text message away. Interview your Realtor, They are working for you! Not all personality types work well together. I am sure your Realtor is out there! If you need help, Ask! Some Realtors may interview other Realtors for you in a Coast to Coast Relocation Service, Like Active Rain, there are a network of Realtors that work together nationwide. Because we have a military base here in Ventura County, we are often helping military families with relocation in and out of state. It is comforting to know that my friends will be taken care of in their new homes and my liaison's from other states know that their clients/friends/families will be taken care of as well. A Realtor will help find the Key to your Real Estate Goals!

Have you heard of Vista Print? This is an awesome free tool for the agent just getting started or if you just like to save a buck! Once you go to www.vistaprint.com, you can sign up to get auto advertising. Once you do they e-mail you all kinds of free offers from 100 postcards to 250 business cards. These are great when you want to promote a specific event. All you pay is shipping and handling. I fill a decorative "thank you" gift bag with the free notepads, pens, stationary when someone opens Escrow with me, don't forget to add something sweet to the bag. This is a nice welcome gift for a new prospect as well.

Have a Blessed Day, Darla