Michael Field

The results are in...Here are the October 2009 Sold Home Statistics for all of North Colonie. 30 Homes sold ranging from $125,000 up to $1 Million. I hope you enjoy these stats as I strive to keep you updated on what's happening in the our backyard real estate market. Also, if you would like photos on any/each of these that is no problem...Thanks and as always, please call if I can help with you or your families real estate needs!

PS- if you would like this report for another town, city or even county, feel free to ask, I'd be glad to inform.

THE HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE!

Michael J. Field, Assoc Broker - Realtor

The Field Team

Keller Williams Realty - Capital District

I'm sure we all have our issues and hurdles to climb in each real estate transaction however this deal that I have going pretty much forced me to blog this issue. Actually, the client that I am helping was in the office the other day and jokingly said, "next time you write a blog, make sure you mention to pick the right real estate attorney!" Needless to say we both got a laugh out of the situation because like some deals, this particular attorney is just creating wave after wave.

I pretty much know if things are going to be difficult right from the attorney approval letter. Glaring concerns may be however not limited to uncharacteristic requests or precautions that spell that this attorney's primary focus is not real estate. Don't get me wrong, I have no rift with attorneys (and that goes for the one we are using in this deal that prompted this) but it just seems that real estate is a little different ballgame and should have a different approach. I could be wrong, but my own personal opinion is that a real estate contract is spelled out for you and that its not as technical as other areas of law. I know each deal is different and there are always new requests & issues that arise, however the main objective is to represent and protect your client's interests and then get to the table. Some attorneys have declined simple requests or prolonged situations to extremes without any conclusion leaving you with a head scratcher.

The attorneys that focus solely on real estate, typically have a perspective and know what is & what isn't acceptable as far as timelines/dates, credits, inspection issues and contracts. These are the ones that I most often like dealing with. When their names are the answer to the question - "do you have an attorney that would help you with this real estate transaction," it usually means that you should have everyone on the same page going into a contract. If they aren't the ones, lace em up & hold ON!!!!!

Getting to a closing table is hard enough as it is. With all the new banking regulations, buying stipulations & careful eye, sellers unwillingness to negotiate and national economic conditions, it is EXTREMELY important for buyers and sellers to assemble a TEAM of representatives that will work together to make the purchase or sale an enjoyable ride. Being active in the Albany Area real estate market, and having been blessed to be raised in a family that has been doing it for over 35 years forces us to be equipped with referrals and relationships with some of the best people in the business. From attorneys to inspectors to insurance and mortgage loan officers, we have the best relationships in place to have the highest rate of success. Here in the Capital Region, your main personnel in any real estate purchase would be the following:

• your real estate professional (can't get any better than THE FIELD TEAM!)
• your mortgage loan officer (see this link)
• a REAL ESTATE ATTORNEY (my next blog will detail this aspect)
• an inspector

In selling your home, your more concerned with the agent & attorney unless you are conducting an up front inspection. Having a pre contract inspection is rare because buyers generally want their own interpretation for the houses "issues".

In the Albany (Capital Region) Real Estate marketwe have a real estate channel that showcases listings with 3 photos and a voice over. We've been a supported of this show for over 5 years. In five years, I can say that I have NEVER received a phone call from a client nor lead from someone who saw us on TV. Now, it does work as a branding tool but with all their is to watch on TV why would someone want to wait for the TWTV Keller Williams Realty Real Estate Showcase to get their Albany Real Estate fix on. Listing clients like the fact that their home will be on TV and it serves as a good listing tool, but let's be real, if someone is going to be looking for a home the statistics show the Internet is an overwhelmingly larger draw than TV.

In our impulsive society, buyers don't want to wait for listings to scroll through the TV for a half hour, they would probably rather search the Internet WHILE watching their favorite TV program. It looks like The Field Team will probably continue to air at 7am, 12 noon, 3:15pm, 4:30pm and 9:15pm each for 15 minute intervals but maybe it is something to analyze as far as our marketing dollars. As far as the branding aspect, it works but it also might be worth taking a break and investing that money into targeted mailings for different neighborhoods.

Click here to view the SOLD Home Report for properties in North Colonie for the month of September '09. Brought to you by Michael Field, The Field Team at Keller Williams Realty Capital District.

If you would like a report for a ifferent particalur area/neighborhood in the Capital Region please feel free to contact Michael Field at 518.724.5882 or email mike@thefieldteam.com.