Randy Hooker ~ Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek

I frequently hear derogatory remarks made about car sales people - particularly "used car salesmen."

I also hear many derogatory remarks made about real estate agents, and how they sometimes use the same high pressure tactics as car salesmen.

Car sales people help folks make buying decisions and accompany them through the process. Real estate agents help folks make buying decisions and counsel them through the process.

The specific techniques and skills utilized by either profession can vary by price range and area, but those lines have become extremely blurred. For instance, there are many cars for sale right now that are priced considerably higher than many homes in certain markets, and vice-versa.

ARE there any significant differences between a car sales person and a real estate agent?

ARE there any significant differences in the public perception of a car sales consultant and a real estate sales consultant?

ARE there any valid grounds for a real estate agent being compared to a used car salesman? I say yes, and here's why.

The most notable difference between the two professions is the length of the "buying cycle." The home buying process typically takes several weeks, often several months, and occasionally a year or longer. The car buying process typically takes a few hours, occasionally a day or two, but rarely a week or longer.

It's common knowledge in auto sales that you don't buy a vehicle on your first visit to any given dealership, then chances are astronomically against your ever buying a car from that dealership. From a car salesman's perspective, if he doesn't sell you a car the same day that you meet him, he'll most likely never see you again, much less sell you a car.

On the other hand, how many of you will ever set up a home search with a Realtor, do your internet research, meet with a Realtor or two, tour a few homes, write an offer/contract, negotiate price & terms, obtain financing, close escrow and get the keys to your new home within hours?

By the nature of the dominant automotive business model, "successful" car sales people are forced to apply high pressure to their customers, never allow them to 'think about it', never acknowledge legitimate objections, wishes, plans or desires, never allow them to leave the dealership for ANY reason, and never, ever take no for an answer.

Is that the way you, as a home buyer, want to be treated?

Could it be that way too many real estate agents have fallen into the trap of operating out of desperation, fear, greed and/or laziness, resulting in many clients being pressured, coerced, manipulated, disrespected, used and even abused by their agents?

Have you ever heard any of the following "one-liners"?

1. "I've shown you a total of 4 cars [homes] today that meet your needs; on which one are we going to sit down and write up right now?"

2. "There are other folks very interested in this car [home], and even thought it's not really what you wanted, we need to write it up before somebody else buys it out from under you!"

3. "Yes, you insisted that I not show you any cars [homes] over a certain price, but based on the financial information you gave me, I know you can easily afford this one."

4. "I just got word about a new car [listing] that we need to move on today; there will be multiple offers, so I'll pick you up in a hour to take care of the paperwork."

5. "We cannot wait on your family to come look at this car [home]; just imagine how you're going to feel if you miss out on this one!"

6. "If you're not going to make a buying decision today, I have other people that I need to take care of. Call me when you're ready to get serious."

7. "I know this car [home] has a few problems, but no need to get an inspector/mechanic - I'll throw in a warranty!"

8. "Don't worry about the other sales person you were working with yesterday; he doesn't know what he's doing anyway, and I can get you a better deal today."

Has a real estate agent ever used any of these lines on you? If so, how did you feel?

Cutting to the chase, if you hear such lines, and have negative feelings as a result of hearing such things from a car salesman, you have the option of simply getting in your car and leaving the dealership.

If you EVER find yourself being treated this way by your real estate agent, I strongly urge you to literally run - not walk - away from ANY sales person or real estate agent that treats you that way!

There are many professional Realtors out there that will treat you with dignity, respect and appreciation. If you don't know one, or have any difficulty finding one, then please feel free to contact me. I'll make it my personal challenge to refer you to a good, honest, experienced real estate agent that makes you feel honored and valued - the way it should be.

All the best to you in buying or selling your next home!

Chandler Homes - Gilbert Homes - Mesa Homes - Queen Creek Homes - Phoenix Homes

upper photo by jasonb42882

According to a news release today, Congress has just introduced legislation that if passed would establish a panel to provide independent mortgage advice.

The new "panel" would be called the "Financial Products Safety Commission," and would "provide independent advice to consumers on mortgage products. It would also be charged with approving new financial and home loan products before they can be marketed to consumers."

Is this just one step closer to governmental control of banking and finance?

Or is this potentially some much needed and long over-due oversight of mortgage loan products?

Search Homes in: Chandler - Gilbert - Mesa - Queen Creek - Phoenix

1. Southbound Loop 101 (Price Freeway) closed between Rio Salado Parkway and Guadalupe Road for carpool lane project. Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) and US 60 ramps to southbound Loop 101 also closed. 11 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday (March 9)

2. Northbound Loop 101 (Price Freeway) closed between Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) and Warner Road for carpool lane project. 11 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday (March 9)

3. Northbound Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) closed between Shea Boulevard and Cactus Road for sign structure work. Northbound on-ramp at 90th Street closed. 10 p.m. Saturday to 4 p.m. Sunday (March 8)

4. State Route 143 (Hohokam Expressway) closed in both directions between McDowell Road and Washington Street for widening work. Eastbound Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) also narrowed to two lanes near the SR 143 junction. 10 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Sunday (March 8)

5. Southbound Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) off-ramp at Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard closed for technology work. Southbound frontage road closed between Princess Drive and Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard. 10 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday (March 9) Northbound Loop 101 off-ramp at Raintree Drive closed for widening project. 11 p.m. Saturday to 6 p.m. Sunday (March 8)

6. Westbound US 60 (Superstition Freeway) right two lanes closed between McClintock Drive and Priest Drive for widening project. 11 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday (March 9)

7. Loop 303 closed in both directions between Grand Avenue and Happy Valley Parkway for construction bypass set up. 9 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday (March 9)

8. Eastbound Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) closed between Tatum Boulevard and 56th Street for overhead sign work. 10 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Saturday (March 7)

Have a Safe and Happy Weekend!

Homes in Phoenix ~ Homes in Gilbert ~ Homes in Chandler ~ Homes in Mesa ~ Homes in Queen Creek

PHOENIX, ARIZONA

...a/k/a "The Valley of the Sun" continues to be one of the most popular cities (and 5th largest) in the United States!

February 2009 vs. February 2008

• 1429 single family detached homes were purchased last month vs. 447 last year.

• The average price paid was $115,731 vs. $277,698 last year.

• The median price came in at $65,000 vs. $225,500 last year.

• The ratio of purchase price to list price was 95% vs. 96% last year.

• 1,153 of the homes (81%) were bank owned vs. 112 homes (22%) last year.
  

• The average time on the market was 78 days vs. 104 days last year.

• There were 13,237 Active single family listings vs. 12,445 last year.

Click Here for full current Phoenix Market Report

Arizona Homes

photo by Miguel Folch

QUEEN CREEK, ARIZONA

...is indeed a community with great demand and incredible values!

February 2009 vs. February 2008

• 309 single family detached homes were purchased last month vs. 147 last year.

• The average price paid was $131,746 vs. $202,852 last year.

• The median price came in at $112,000 vs. $174,000 last year.

• The ratio of purchase price to list price was 97% - unchanged from last year.

• 216 of the homes (70%) were bank owned vs. 39 homes (24%) last year.
  

• The average time on the market was 66 days vs. 102 days last year.

• There were 2,311 Active single family listings vs. 2,676 last year.

Click Here for full current Queen Creek Market Report

Queen Creek Homes

photo by Miguel Folch