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Chris Whitehead

National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents Press Release

Here is an excerpt from the latest NAEBA press release that I found very insightful. Pay close attention to the statistics on appreciation and foreclosures.

Working with an EBA offers more than a dedicated representative. Data validates that buyers actually get better results. An EBA promises to work toward a better price and terms for buyers. A study conducted by Chandler & Chandler confirms that property purchased through an alliance with an EBA shows a 67% greater appreciation in value. Additionally, a survey conducted by the National Association of Exclusive Buyers Agents (NAEBA) found that among survey respondents, there were only 15 foreclosures out of 1,849 closings. That represents a foreclosure rate of just 0.8%, compared to the nationwide rate of 1.84% in 2008.
NAEBA views HUD’s advice to consider an exclusive buyer agent as very timely given current market conditions. Clark agrees, “We are encouraged by an increased movement among consumers to seek out Exclusive Buyer Agents. Working on behalf of buyers is extremely rewarding. Consumers who hire an Exclusive Buyer Agent find that the whole process is more enjoyable because of the incredible trust between the buyer and their agent that doesn’t always exist in the traditional buyer/agent relationship.”

To read more about NAEBA or this press release click here.

HomeBuyer Experts, representing People not Properties.

If you are in the market for a home and would like to experience the protection and advise that an Exclusive Buyer Agent provides please email me at cwhitehead@hbexperts.com or you can call us at 330-315-2552.

New RESPA rules take effect January 1st

New RESPA rules take effect January 1st

RESPA (Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act) is a consumer protection statute that is designed to aid homebuyers during the home buying process and help them become better shoppers while protecting them at the same time. It outlaws things like “kickbacks” that would increase the overall cost in buying a home.

The revamped act will take effect Jan 1st, 2010 and is supposed to make it easier for home buyers to understand what is going on at closing. In my opinion more regulation and paperwork is not going to fix the already overcomplicated process. What is needed is for the Professionals that are involved in the transaction to take their time and make sure the consumer has a clear understanding of the process.

To read more about HUD and RESPA click here.

If you are in the market for a home and would like to experience the protection and advise that an Exclusive Buyer Agent provides please email me at cwhitehead@hbexperts.com or you can call us at 330-315-2552.

25 Biggest Mistakes - Mistake #11 - Not putting the mortgage and closing costs up for bid.

Many Real Estate Closing Costs ARE negotiable. A proper bid program can save thousands of dollars in both the long and short run.

The role of the HBE Mortgage Advisor is:

1. Has a second informational meeting to discuss your OTHER purchase. (We at HBE feel that your mortgage loan is also a purchase, and a very important one at that)


2. Review your financial situation.

3. Help you determine your ability to achieve financing.

4. Helps make clear the tax effects of your home purchase.

5. Determines the affordable home cost.

6. Helps identify your ideal home features.

7. Bids out your mortgage to different lenders.

8. Assists in lender selection.

9. Helps you get pre-qualified.

10. Helps with final mortgage lock.

11. Available to help understand final HUD statement.

12. Annual review of financing options.

HomeBuyer Experts does not own a mortgage company we have built relationships with some of Northeast Ohio's best lenders and use a bidding process to make sure that our clients (The Real Estate Buyer) get a mortgage that fits them not one that fits the company.

Home Buyer Experts (HBE) is a buyers only agency with 100% of it's team working for the Real Estate Buyer.

If you are buying a home in the next 6 months and want to learn more about the process from an Exclusive Buyer Agent (EBA). Call HomeBuyer Experts at 330-328-3170 or you can email us.

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25 Biggest Mistakes - Mistake #10 - Waiting too long.

Don’t wait, buy now!

I know it sounds like a pushy salesman trick taught on every car lot in the country…”It might not be here tomorrow!” But when it comes time to making a home purchase, there is never a better time than right now!

Let’s preface that with a couple of things.

1. You must get your credit in line

2. You must have income

3. You must be able to get qualified for a loan

I guess what I am trying to say is that if it is your time to buy then you need to be ready to buy.

What I am talking about in this post is the mentality of “I’m waiting for the bottom of the market to buy” or “I haven’t found the right house” or “I’m scared!”

All of these stall tactics or procrastination can end up costing you more than you realize.

Here are just a few of the areas where you could lose; interest rates could rise, area home prices could rise, you will miss out on the tax deduction and the right home for you could be purchased by someone else.

Lets look at real numbers. If rates increased by ½ of a percent on a $300,000 loan, your payment will go up $100 per month. That’s $36,000 over the life of the loan. That hundred sure could buy a nice dinner every month for you. I'm still looking for the millionaire that doesn’t own some real estate!

Home Buyer Experts (HBE) is a buyers only agency with 100% of it's team working for the Real Estate Buyer.

If you are buying a home in the next 6 months and want to learn more about the process from an Exclusive Buyer Agent (EBA). Call HomeBuyer Experts at 330-328-3170 or you can email us.

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25 Biggest Mistakes - Mistake #9 - Forgetting about closing costs

Be aware of the costs associated with purchasing a home!

Think it's bad to pay tax when you eat out? Wait until you're paying closing costs, which
can run 2 to 7 percent of the home's purchase price.

A mortgage lender should provide you with a good faith estimate of what costs will be. Keep in mind that it should include such things as origination (points) on a loan, escrow fees, title and homeowners insurance, legal costs, property taxes, fees to record your deed and notary fees.

Too many people come out from closing in shock, and they don't have too.

Home Buyer Experts (HBE) is a buyers only agency with 100% of it's team working for the Real Estate Buyer.

If you are buying a home in the next 6 months and want to learn more about the process from an Exclusive Buyer Agent (EBA). Call HomeBuyer Experts at 330-328-3170 or you can email us.

Follow us on Twitter