Kathy Hyatt

Realtor.Com , Is it worth the Money?

I am at a Cross Roads when it comes to Realtor.com and would like your input. All listings go into Realtor.com for free where they post one picture and provide minimal information.

Last year I signed up with Realtor.com in order to receive the "Showcase Listing Enhancements". This feature allows me to have multiple pictures, provide detailed information and provides a link to my website. I understand that if you work for Coldwell Banker you get this for free! I don't, I work for ERA so I have to pay it.

Realtor.com determines the amount of money they charge based on the number of listings you have. You give them your MLS Number and they tell you the cost. So as I come up for renewal the realtor.com people informed me that the cost has more than doubled if I want to renew. I told them that is unfair! If they can look me up by MLS # then they also know that I did not close 20+ transactions last year.

They told me it doesn't matter, whatever the computer says I will be charged. Now I feel like a Borrower where a Computer determines your credit score and mortgage ability.

Realtor.com is currently changing their format where everyone will now receive 4 pictures instead of 1 starting next month in August. This is very nice for the "Free People", but the pricing has not changed for the "Showcase Enhanced People".

So everyone let me know your experience with Realtor.com and your thoughts on this matter. It just seems they have the monopoly and we are at their mercy.

Kathy Hyatt, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Kathy's Favorite Budget Decorating Ideas

•· Paint Paint simply put is the cheapest investment you can make, where you will receive the most dramatic result, says 24 Hour Design's Angelo Surmelis. So go ahead, and put some color on those walls for a fresh and inexpensive new look.

•· Sew Your Own Linens This is where Big Money can be saved! If you have a sewing machine, or know someone with a sewing machine, you can quickly and easily transform patterned flat sheets into curtain panels, pillow and duvet covers, tablecloths, even slipcovers and just pay a fraction of what you'd shell out for fabric yardage.

•· Do It Yourself "The biggest budget buster is hiring people to do stuff that you could do," says Design on a Dime's, Kristan Cunningham. Just consider all the monies you would save by taking on some relatively simple projects yourself. There are so many Do It Yourself Shows on TV now a days not to mention your local Hardware Store are all there to help you.

•· Call In Family and Friends That's right go ahead, Call Uncle Mike and Text Cousin Kevin You may not have a wad of cash or a lot of home-improvement know-how, but you have other resources that can help get your decorating project off the ground. Call on a group of relatives, friends and even neighbors who can supply the muscle or help remove wall paper. Feed them lunch and you're sure to have happy helpers every time.

•· Look for Less-Than-Perfect Merchandise Great Deals can be found here. Be sure to ask about floor models or slightly damaged items. Chances are, no one but you will be any the wiser, and you'll save big bucks.

•· Shop Secondhand Stores This is where the bargains are! Thrift stores, consignment shops, church rummage sales and especially estate sales. Look for furniture with solid construction and classic lines that new upholstery or paint will bring back to life.

•· Be Patient when seeking Sales and Discounts Patience is everything. However sometimes you don't have to wait. Don't be shy, go up and inquire if that item will be discounted anytime soon. Store and Department managers can usually be the best sources for this inside information, and sometime may even offer you the discounted priced before it goes into effects.

•· Mix, Don't Match Mix it up! Not only is a "Matchy-Matchy" look just plain boring, but buying entire suites of furniture tends to cost more than putting together a creative, eclectic look. Don't be afraid to mix high and low [end] or modern and traditional in your home as this makes it fun and fresh."

•· Reuse Items You Already Have Now a days, you don't have to buy new pieces to turn your tired home into a hip space. Instead, turn a fresh eye to what you already have and think about how it might be camouflaged, re-purposed or re-imagined. Reinvent a drab dresser in a guest bedroom as a dramatic dining room sideboard with a few coats of glossy black paint and sparkling new hardware. Make over that old couch with a slipcover in a fabulous fabric. Turn plain pillows into eye-catching accents by stenciling simple designs on them. After all, there's no better budget stretcher than your own imagination.

You Are Still Over-Priced, even with a Free Car!

I recently tried to get an appointment with a fsbo Seller. The House is terribly overpriced given our current market. I asked him how he came up with his Sales Price and he told me he did his research on-line but was not completely clear with his answer. As we walked me through the house he was quick to point out improvements made and the cost for each. Now I can see how he came up with his price.

I asked if he read the Newspaper or watch the Media on television as there is an abundance of Foreclosures in this immediate neighborhood and this has an absolute effect on home values. He looked at me and said of Course I know that. That is why I am giving my Hummer away with the purchase of my home.

Yeah, ok.. so he is going to try it on his own for a while. I will give him a call in 30 days.

You Want Bigger Numbers, Well here they are!

Now a days it seems as if every other listing appointment that I go to, the Sellers just keep telling me they need more money, that the Numbers just aren't "Big Enough". I am to the point now that when I research the Expired listings in my Area I don't even consider contacting them if they bought a house within the last 6 to 8 years, 10 years for Condos and that is a push and it better be a real nice condo too.

Now mind you that most Sellers thru the years have all taken out a "Home Equity Mtg". So when determining the net proceeds I ask upfront when did you take out your mortgage and how much cash out did you get with your Refinance or Equity Line of Credit. I take that number and add that back in to reflect the true dollar amount of the net proceeds. While they may not be walking away with as much money today, I show them that they have already been paid when they originally took out that mortgage. (They all seem to forget that)

I recently attended an ERA seminar and they had this Speaker that spoke specifically about this. The Realtor had a Seller who was getting agitated because he said the number was just not "Big Enough" for him to sell the property; The Realtor told him 6 ways from Sunday that in all honesty this is what he should expect. Again, the Seller said the number was not "Big Enough". Seeing that the discussion was becoming unpleasant the Realtor whipped out her briefcase and took out this "Big Huge Calculator" and said you want to see a Bigger Numbers, well here they are! They both started laughing and in the end the Seller agreed to list the price at the Realtor's recommendation.

I love that story so much, I went out the next day and found myself my own "Big Huge Calculator". I have not used it yet, but I will be ready!

Kathy Hyatt, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

The Power of Paint!

In Today's Market now more than ever, I tell every Seller I speak with that you just cannot give a Buyer any Reason not to Purchase. With the limited amount of Mortgage Programs available that Buyers can actually apply for and close (providing the lender is still in business) every Buyer counts!

I can appreciate the fact, that most of these Seller's have taken most of the equity out of their homes and of course spent the money. But surely you would think they could spend a few bucks for some paint. You would be surprised, however the Sellers who do take our advice as Realtors do see the payoff.

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On a recent Listing Presentation I met with a Seller and they had this fabulous Family Room. This Room had Vaulted Ceilings, Recessed Lighting, Wall to Wall Windows, and Tile Flooring. The kind of Room you wish all your Listings had. Anyway, this Room was painted "Pink" and it was hard for me to see all the wonderful features this Room possessed.

I strongly suggested to the Seller to paint a Neutral Color and while they were at it, I was able to get rid of the Green Living Room too! This house was previously for Sale for over 6 months and after a coat of Neutral Paint I am happy to report that Buyer Activity has picked up and I anticipate a Contract any time now. Ah, the Power of Paint!

Kathy Hyatt, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida