CC Underwood

I am so excited to share my news. I have been chosen as a Five Star Real Estate Agent in Customer Service. This is such an amazing honor especially for only being my second year in the business. This is done by a third party survey company. They ask all homeowners that purchased a home that year. Based on answers the top 7% agents out of the 5 major counties in Jacksonville are awarded this designation. I am so happy that my customers think that much of me and the service I gave to each of them. I will be published in the Jacksonville Homebuyer magazine in March. Thank you again for all of your referrals.

Okay, the new Year is here. Any resolutions to buy a home? Why wouldn't you? Home prices are what they were in 2001-2002, interest rates in the 5% range, and as little 3 1/2% down you have to be a nut to not take advantage of this. Builders work with Realtors, don't be afraid to take one with you on your first visit. We actually can get you a better deal than if you walked in alone. Sellers and banks are still willing to pay your closing costs. All of this and you still want more. Now you only have until July 1, 2009. When you buy a home before this date you are entitled to a $7500 tax credit. This is not an income reduction, but an actual credit. It's like laundry lottery. What could you do with that? Pay off a credit card, decorate, etc?? The mind boggles. Until next time

Short sales aren't short, but they are getting there. After a package has been submitted I have been getting my BPO's done within two weeks, and an answer within 2-4 weeks after that. That's a far cry from the 4-6 months you hjear about. As long as when the listing agent submits the package, it is complete. There are two reasons why a short sale will take longer. Number 1, the agent did not have a complete package, The listing agent should be getting all the required documents together and waiting until an offer is received and then submitting a package. Number two, the listing agent is submitting multiple offers. If you are a home buyer or an representing one, ask the listing agent if he/she is submitting multiple offers or taking back ups. The best way is to submit take back ups. The only situation where si would put in a second offer is if the first was an investor low ball offer, that wouldn't be accepted anyway. If the second offer is two thousand above the first, it's not worth it to hold up progress for that. If the bank wants more, you go to the first contract and counter, if they won't go to your back up you already have and submit. By this point the listing agent should have a direct email contact in the department for a fast response.

Are you preparing your HUDs to protect the agents, buyer, and seller? Even though it's is easier now to deal with banks and the response time is faster, you still need to prepare the HUD properly to make room for errors. Basically what I am saying is tell your title company to advance the fees at least 4 months. That includes taxes and HOA fees. If you don't someone will be stuck paying it and if no one does, the buyer loses a home, the seller can be foreclosed, and you lose the potential commission. Nobody wins.

Hey everyone. You know that listings are the life blood of this business. But do you really want just anything that comes your way. Absolutely not. Especially in today's market. We need motivated sellers. That is someone that NEEDS to sell. If I am on a listing appointment and I see rose colored walls in every room, I will ask the seller, " Would you be willing to paint your rooms before we put your home on the market?" If the reply is no, of course I will ask , "How fast do you you need to sell your home?" If after this conversation they are unwilling to paint I will say, thank you for the opportunity. If it is a vacant home I will always suggest that I have it painted and be reimbursed at closing because I know if it is a great home at a great price, but needs paint, it's worth it and I know it will sell in any market.