Manuel Couto CRB

OK,

so, as you read this hopefully you looked through the web site, www.MCoutoRealtor.com, looked for the homes that you may want, looked for the amenities you want, and the areas you want...

BUT.. did you call your mortgage Broker to see if you Qualify? I have been busy the last few months submitting offers and contracts. While many people place offers, few realize that the property condition dictates if they can get the loan. It's not that easy when they apply on line, or with a broker that someone recommended that does not ask the questions:

1. Is this a foreclosure?

2. is it being sold "AS IS"

3. Will the utilities, gas and electric be working?

4. Will YOU qualify for the home if it does not.

5. What kind of condition should the home be in for me to qualify.

YOU have to ask

1. Can you offer a rehab loan?

2. What are the conditions and parameters to get that loan. Can it be a two family or one family home only, What about a three family.

3. Costs? How much up front, how much per month, how much is/will be available for renovations.

4. Should I look for another home in better condition?

Yes, the foreclosure market has some great homes at great prices but they are not for everyone. End users have some wonderful homes that they have loved and taken care of that you can negotiate and buy. NOW is the time to take advantage of the market. NOW may still be the greatest and best time to buy a home.

I advertise heavily in REOTrans.com, RES.net,MCouto.isanexpert.com, and on my own site, MCoutoRealtor.com (in case you forget, you can go there as www.SmartChoicesMadeEasy.com

Talk to your financial adviser, talk to your accountant, talk to your husband/wife or friends.. but remember that the time to make money is not when everyone is buying, but in buying right when everyone else is selling.

ok.. there... I said it. Merry Christmas.

There are lots of reasons to Celebrate this time of year. Mine happens to be Christmas. It's a time of thankgiving to each other, and to celebrate Christ's birth.

It's a magical time of year, no matter which religion you belong to. The trees are bare, the days are cold and dark, but WE.. the collective WE the people, remain optimistic towards a brighter and Happier tomorrow.

So, as possibly your future Realtor®, I wish you Merry Christmas, with that same Optimistic hope for a Brighter and Better Tomorrow. Go and hug your family members for me.

Peace

Mannie

Rosa Agency

201-997-7860 x16

www.SmartChoicesMadeEasy.com

Sign of the times...

ok, so after saying how great this month was, I closed my mouth (2 deals died, but the rest are 50% closed already and I am still busy), and looked around. Here is a disturbing sign. Two different realtor signs on top of two for sale by owner signs, with his/her own phone number. These are more than likely investor homes that now cannot afford to keep or sell the home. I hope they can sell and negotiate a short sale with the lender before it comes into REO world.

I still see buyers calling and emailing me, as well as lenders telling me that the first quarter of 2009 will be exciting with new financial programa that lenders (and buyers) have been asking for!

So, without further ado, Let us remember those this holiday season that are having a tough time making ends meet, Let us remember those that are in sales, in salaried jobs, or have no jobs at all, and let us give thanks for our families and friends and our health. May we all remember the Realtor Prayer.... Good Lord, may we see good times again, and may we remember to save some money for when they go away.

In speaking with other Realtors, December is quiet with phone activity almost nill, and sellers asking for CMA's but stating point blank that nothing will happen until after New Years. I think that January will see a batch of new inventory, priced to sell, since now Realtors and Sellers alike are aware of the current market conditions.

New administration, new Year, new hopes.... on all fronts. Healthy and Happy Holidays

Well,

the Holidays are upon us, and Realtors and all gathering to discuss the past year. One thing in common, the market is slow. Another thing in common, it's going to get better. That's coming from the older more experienced Realtors. WWW.MCoutoRealtor.com

We've been through this before, and as history repeats itself, it's going to be long ride out. But out it will be. Inventory is not increasing as before, but buyers are still buying and closing on homes. The investors are chomping at the bit as prices keep on dropping.

It's a classic Tipping Point. At some time, no one wants to wait anymore and they will buy. Once one starts, they all start.

Buy now, rates are low, and maybe going lower. Don't let this be your would have could have should have market place.

Now is a great time, for you, as Professionals to hone your skills, to take additional training classes and to think of new and innovative ways to not only market your homes, but to market yourself!! The NJAR triple play convention had a lot less people, but the ones who were there, believe in the market, believe in the Real Estate Industy, and believe in YOU.

Now it's up to many Realtors® to take the steps to show the public that YES they are worth the commission dollars, that YES they are going to do the best to keep the sellers informed on the market, and YES, they will constantly market and try to attract new buyers and sellers.

See you in the trenches.

Mannie

Ok for those of you who are reading, this month will top my best month ever, AND I would have had another 3 of my listings sold in November if we were able to negotiate the deals in time. It seems that the Holiday Sales are making people take notice to where they are and what they can buy. Many tenants want to have their own traditions with their family, at THEIR OWN HOMES.

No landlords, no other tenants complaining of noise, no fried fish smells in the hallways.. (wait, that's one of my other investment properties). What I mean to say is that the Holidays are always nicer in your own home. AND with prices and financing programs the way they are, all it will take is YOU to get out and look at homes. Call me, or your Realtor® today and go see what is available. Your Realtor® should be able to make some recommendations on which lender to use, and why, as well as how to guide you past some of the pitfalls of trying to negoiate everything on your own. He/She is there to act as your guide towards Home Ownership.

See you all soon, 'cause today is Sunday and I am home sick in bed. The cold finally got me. Had to be one of my competitors sneezing into an envelope, or my co-workers rubbing on the doorknobs, or...(joking here people), or.... add in your own excuse why Mannie is sick (reply back to the blog or email me direct at Homes@MCouto.com).

Until Next time, stay (ACHOO) well.